Bernard Simmons

My Story 

Bernard Simmons was born on September 19, 1940, to the late Mr. & Mrs. Oscar and Clemmie Simmons in Troy, AL He was the youngest of thirteen children. Bernard was raised in Troy AL, and received his education at Goshen High School, in Goshen, AL. 

Bernard "BS" moved to Cleveland, OH in 1959, with his former wife Irene Simmons. To this union five children were born: Annie Simmons-Brown, Hosea Simmons, Sharon 

Simmons-Newton, Gregory Simmons, and Derrick Simmons. He later went on to marry Janie Thompson on September 19, 1987. From this union, he gained two stepchildren, Linda Arnold and Vanessa Redding-George. Bernard and Janie shared thirty-seven years of marital bliss until the time of his passing. 

Upon arrival in Cleveland, he worked at Manners Big Boys Restaurant. Bernard had an entrepreneurial spirit, and was joint-owner of an amazing restaurant for several years named: B & R Barbecue Pit which had three successful locations throughout Cleveland (Quincy Ave, and two locations in the Harvard/Miles area). 

Bernard went on to work for Chevrolet, and he culminated his career in 2003, when he retired from the City of Cleveland Water Department. Continuing to utilize his entrepreneurial talents he co-ran a successful cleaning business until he decided it was time to fully retire. Bernard was a hard worker who left no job undone. He instilled good work ethics into all who knew him. 

Bernard's laughter was contagious and he was always found cracking jokes that kept everyone around him laughing. He was known by many for his great sense of humor and his ability to hold a conversation with people from all walks of life. 

Simply put, he never met a stranger. He was genuine, authentic, and unapologetically himself. In being so, he gave others permission to be themselves just as freely. 

Bernard knew the Lord and visited Unity Faith Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, hosting barbecues in the backyard, and making his famous homemade barbecue sauce. He loved western movies as well as "Sanford & Son" and "In the Heat of the Night". He also loved to attend gospel quartet concerts and listen to both oldies and gospel music. 

He departed from this earthly life on January 29, 2025, at University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. 

Bernard leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory: a faithful and devoted wife: Janie Simmons; five children: Gregory (Annette) Simmons, Sharon Simmons (Timothy Newton). Hosea Simmons, Linda Arnold, and Vanessa Redding-George (Vincent), two brothers-in-law: Lewis Thompson and David Thompson (Diane); two sisters-in-law: Dela Phillip and Ceola Thompson; thirty grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. 

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents: Oscar and Clemmie Simmons; fifteen siblings: JK, OS, Vera Mae, Katie Mae, Jennie Mae, James Ben, Louis Bill, Mary Ernestine, Lettie Siss, Clemmie Helen, Jewel Alice, Lillie Mae, Roscoe, Lois Glasco and Annie Burks; one daughter: Annie Simmons-Brown; one son: Derrick Simmons; three grandchildren: Eugene Brown, Timothy Newton Jr., and Sharon (Little Sharon) Newton. 

A public viewing will be held on February 6, 2025, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.  The Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, February 7, 2025, 10:30AM Wake and 11:00AM also at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Bernard's tribute wall.