Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Charles
An environmentally friendly option
15 tree(s) planted in memory of Charles Simmons
Ayanna Hughes
and 1 other have purchased flowers for the family of Charles Simmons. Send Flowers
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
P
Pamela, Jessica and William Ellis planted 3 trees in memory of Charles Simmons
Thursday, March 5, 2026
3 trees were planted in memory of
Charles William Simmons
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/premium-tree-bg.jpg
May the peace and love of Christ be with you and console your family during this time of great loss. Love and prayers Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
P
Pamela, Jessica and William Ellis planted 3 trees in memory of Charles Simmons
Thursday, March 5, 2026
3 trees were planted in memory of
Charles William Simmons
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/premium-tree-bg.jpg
May the peace and love of Our Lord be with you as you travel this difficult road. Our prayers are with you.Love, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
M
Merlene posted a condolence
Friday, March 6, 2026
I want to send my sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Simmons. I truly owe my success to him. Because of him, I am the first in my family to have a college degree. This in turn inspired multiple nieces and nephews to attend college and graduate high school.Because of him we are building a legacy with college graduates. We owe him our deepest gratitude!! RIP champ!!
J
Jerene posted a condolence
Friday, March 6, 2026
Sending my condolences to the family. DR. Simmons was one of a kind. He will surely be missed. His influence and redirection has made my life so much better. Now I am able to bless others because of him.
❤️
Jerene
L
Lesley Simmons uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 6, 2026
/public-file/6031/Ultra/Image_png.png
/public-file/6032/Ultra/Image_png.png
/public-file/6033/Ultra/Image_png.png
/public-file/6034/Ultra/Image_png.png
+ 1
God Rest a Blessed Soul Your Grandkids and I are proud. Your Legacy will live on.
Love Chloe, Dallas Charles, and Lesley Simmons
T
Tomeka A. Carr uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 6, 2026
/public-file/6029/Ultra/0bf77f4d-a5b9-491f-8a9a-968a636ece71.jpg
/public-file/6030/Ultra/03b47aa0-a144-4f46-a457-0f8518bae20e.jpg
With love, I am sending my deepest condolences to my dear friend Rashida Braxton-Simmons, my bros Kojo and Tacuma, and all of Dr. Simmons' children, family, close friends, and colleagues. My fondest memories of him are all surrounding food! As a teen, you'd find me at his house for Kwanzaa, where he loved to prepare salmon stuffed with wild rice (my favorite), or at celebrations at his sister Jumoke's house. The pics I've posted here are snapshots of one of those perfect summer days of food, family, and fun, and I remember his nieces and nephews running and laughing, and am so happy I was there to witness those moments.
The joy and fullness in his expression, as he holds onto his baby girl, wearing the classic, fresh, Sojourner-Douglass white tee, has been a favorite in my photo collection since 1993, and is even more dear to me now.
May peace in "Dad's" loving memory, and his legendary achievements in higher education in Baltimore and beyond, be a comfort to you dear family, and to all of us who were blessed to be positively affected by the life and work of Dr. Charles Simmons.❤️
With Love,
Tomeka A. Carr
D
Daniel Henson posted a condolence
Friday, March 6, 2026
My deepest condolences to the family of the legendary Dr. Charles Simmons. His vision inspired a whole movement for education among people. He is missed.
K
Khristen Brown-Shipley uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 5, 2026
/public-file/6027/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
K
Khristen Brown-Shipley uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, March 5, 2026
/public-file/6026/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
K
Khristen Brown-Shipley posted a condolence
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Doc,
I want to say that I am going to miss you immensely! We have a close-knit family, and you were one of the driving forces behind it. You will truly be missed. I'll see you on the other side.
Love,
Stepo
K
Khristen Brown-Shipley posted a condolence
Thursday, March 5, 2026
With deep love and profound respect, the loss of my devoted brother is devastating to me and my loving wife, Deanne. He was such a visionary leader and deeply cherished soul. I loved him so much.
Charles lived a life of intimate engagement with people and purpose. He served as the Co-Founding President of Sojourner-Douglass College, where his commitment to education, empowerment, and community reflected both his intellect and his heart. His leadership was not distant or formal; it was personal, warm, and rooted in genuine connections.
As young adults, three brothers answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps, a bond forged through discipline, courage, and shared sacrifice. Among the most treasured memories were our first trips to California Marine Corps bases in California to Baltimore and back, journeys filled with conversation, reflection, and inspiration. Those miles carried more than distance; they carried brotherhood.
Charles's personality was lovingly open, warm, and intimate. He had a way of being fully present, making others feel seen and valued. As a brother, he was devoted and deeply loved. His capacity for closeness, honesty, and affection left a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who knew him best.
He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for how he loved-freely, sincerely, and without reservation. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the institutions he helped build, and the enduring bond of family and brotherhood.
Lovingly,
Floyd Jr.
L
Lesley Simmons posted a condolence
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Mr. Charles Simmons my father in-law and Granddad to Chloe and Dallas Charles Simmons was an amazing man. He ran an amazing race. Touch lives in every aspect that he could. His courage and tenacity to keep going will not be forgotten and I can only hope and pray that his grandchildren have inherited these characteristics. His fight for people of color to be educated will not go unforgotten. We will continue his legacy by making sure that his Spirit lives on in his Grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren will know him and know the works that he put his life into succeeding in educating people of color and we will continue to carry the baton. Rest in peace. Lesley, Dallas Chloe Simmons
C
Charlene Ndi uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
/public-file/6024/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
"You Were One...Still Not Done" (Dedicated to Dr. Charles Simmons)
Visionary Leader, some will say
Leading the charge, leading the way,
The greatness of your impact like tentacles spread,
Forever in our hearts, always in your head,
Pondering next, how you'd bring about change,
Developing minds, we the ones who would gain,
A modern-day Moses, calling forward the people,
Imhotep some will call you, we raise high the steeple,
You saw & you knew before, how much we would need,
You sought to propel us, and mounted the steed,
To deliver from poverty, oppression & greed,
Still charting the course, unrelentless your intention, steadfast unmovable, We will not fail to mention,
Our successes, your legacy, in so many spaces, where'er we show up, you there, in your greatness,
We know you, we see you, and so we must bow, in humble submission, because you knew how,
To transform minds...indeed futures, that not all could see,
You were just what we needed to be all we could be,
Take your rest promised one, out of Egypt we've come,
Arising, not falling, we will carry on,
On the mountains of Zion, we will sing your sweet song,
Of triumph & destiny all the days long,
We continue, will not stray,
From your vision, your purpose, that we now understand,
Who you were, who you are, on your shoulders we stand,
We, the many multiplied, you created a great nation,
We go forth, as your offspring, we will all take our stations,
Shining like the stars, you live on in our pursuits, clear & strong your intention, long & deep are your roots,
Take your rest, fully sure that we will carry on,
Your destiny now fulfilled, we will proclaim your sweet song.
Humbly Submitted 3/6/26 by one of thousands:
Ella Charlene Ndi, LMSW
BA Human Services-Social Work Sojourner Douglass College (2007)
Basileus, Epsilon Rho, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. SDC (2006-2007)
MSSA, Community & Social Development, Case Western Reserve Univ., Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Cleveland, OH (2011)
Field Instructor, University of Missouri, St Louis Schools of Social Work--Field Education Collaborative (2015-Present)
M
Michael Rice uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
/public-file/6022/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/6023/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Although we never had the chance to meet in person, learning about you through family and through our connection discovered on Ancestry opened a door that made our bond feel real and meaningful. It amazed me to learn that we shared blood, history, and a story that stretched back long before either of us understood it. Family members spoke of you with respect and affection, and the more I heard about your life, the more I realized that our family carried a legacy of determination and intellect that you represented so well.
They told me about your journey in education and the dedication it took for you to earn your PhD. That accomplishment alone spoke volumes about your perseverance, discipline, and vision. Yet what stood out even more was how people spoke your name with warmth. They did not simply call you by your title, but affectionately referred to you as “Doc,” a name that carried both respect and love. It reflected a man who not only achieved greatly but who also left an impression on the people around him.
Even though our paths on this earth never crossed, I am grateful that I came to know about you and the life you lived. Your story became a reminder that family connections can reach across time, distance, and even generations. I will carry the knowledge of our shared heritage with pride, and I will remember that somewhere in our family line there was a man called “Doc” who pursued excellence and inspired those around him. May your legacy continue to live on in the stories we share and in the lives that follow after you. Rest well, cousin.
A
Angelo Berry uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
/public-file/6020/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Dr. Charles W. Simmons...honoring our ancestors; the sheroes and heroes whom shoulders we stand, we stand a little taller now. Here lies:
-Resilience
-Fortitude
-Durability
Thank you Uncle Charlie
Angelo R. Berry, PhD.
A
Ayanna Hughes purchased flowers
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0002059.jpeg
Ayanna Hughes
purchased the Ocean Breeze Spray and planted a memorial tree for the family of Charles Simmons.
Send Flowers
Forever Love, Respect, Honor, and Thanks to Uncle Charlie for the life lessons and support and so much love and care to the Simmons/Hughes Family
Please wait
A
Ayanna Hughes planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Forever Love, Respect, Honor, and Thanks to Uncle Charlie for the life lessons and support and so much love and care to the Simmons/Hughes Family Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
D
Dominic Simmons uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
/public-file/6016/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
If There's No Struggle, There's No Progress
- Frederick Douglas
D
Dominic Simmons uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
/public-file/6015/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
4 Generations Simmons Men, it doesn't get any better than this I'm Just Saying!
Doc, Nick, Chris & Liam
D
Dominic, Rosalyn, Christopher, Liam & River Simmons planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Pop's This Tree Is A Symbol of Life , And It Will "Stay In The Struggle" In Providing Oxygen For All Man Kind & Living Things. "To God Be The Glory " Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
K
Kojo, Chloe and Dallas planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Monday, March 2, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
You are in my thoughts pop. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
E
Edna Simmons and Tony (Clarence) Brown planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Monday, March 2, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Charlie, its so hard to say goodbye. Rest in peace. Love Edna and Tony Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
N
Natalie, Tyler and Jordan planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Monday, March 2, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
Without struggle there is no progress Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
T
Tyler Bohanan planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Monday, March 2, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We Love you Granddaddy! From Tyler, Alyssa and Aiden. This tree will continue to make the world a better place like you did. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
W
With all of our Love, Peanut (Khristen), Ayanna, and Aleeyah purchased flowers
Monday, March 2, 2026
//d1uep5tseb3xou.cloudfront.net/content/images/thumbs/0003403_strength-and-solace-spray.jpeg
With all of our Love, Peanut (Khristen), Ayanna, and Aleeyah
purchased the Strength and Solace Spray for the family of Charles Simmons.
Send Flowers
We will continue "The Struggle"! Rest in Paradise Dear Uncle!
Please wait
K
Kai Aiyetoro planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Monday, March 2, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
May this tree reflect the symbol of your strength in the struggle. Rest in peace! Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
K
Khristen Brown-Shipley uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, February 28, 2026
/public-file/6000/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
K
Khristen Brown-Shipley uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, February 28, 2026
/public-file/5999/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
e
The family of Charles William Simmons uploaded a photo
Thursday, February 26, 2026
/tribute-images/7247/Ultra/Charles-Simmons.jpg
Please wait
I
Ivory N. Sanders posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
My most sincere condolences to family and friends. Ivory N. Sanders c/o ‘95.
K
Karen Harper uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, February 19, 2026
/public-file/5954/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/5955/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/5956/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
/public-file/5957/Ultra/Image_jpg.jpg
Sojourner-Douglass College Class of 2014
C
Chris Jordan posted a condolence
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Three words to describe my cousin
Visionary,Leader and Intellectual
C
Chris Jordan posted a condolence
Thursday, February 19, 2026
https://www.google.com/collections/s/list/BaG761kgm2HnZtfcLLNr4w/HQlZGasYizg
I hope these photo share. As a child I was so proud to see my first celebrity family member. I told everyone
K
Karen Harper planted a tree in memory of Charles Simmons
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
You were such a great light to the world that even after you are gone, the light remains. This plant serves as a reminder, R.I.P Dr. Simmons. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
C
Cheryl J Jordan posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Charlie was a very wise person and family man. He was kind and pleasant with an awesome sense of humor.
K
Karen Harper posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Q: What 3 words best describe Charles and why?
A: "In the struggle." These was his favorite words to echo when you call and spoke to him. Still in the struggle, which meant he was not a quitter and was not given up.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Charles Simmons
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-store/memorial-tree.jpg
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Randallstown Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
Please wait
4905 York Road
410-433-7500
8728 Liberty Road
410-655-0015
5151 Balt National Pike
410-233-2400
4101 Edmondson Avenue
410-945-2700
