1922
2017
Roberta Pace Simmons, age 95 passed away on November 10, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Roberta was born Roberta Pace on August 22, 1922, in Madison, Mississippi. Roberta's childhood was one of hardship. Not only did she and her family go through the Great Depression but her father was killed when she was about 5 years old. The oldest son of the eight children in her family had to leave school, become the man-of-the-house and breadwinner at age 16. They soon had to leave the family farm and moved to Jackson, MS.
In Jackson Roberta overcame the hardships, continued with her education and became Valedictorian of her class. After high school she worked at various jobs until she met and married John Henry Simmons after he returned from serving in the military during World War II. Not long thereafter they had a daughter Bobbye.
Eventually the family moved from Mississippi to Galveston and then to Houston a couple of years later. Roberta found a job working in insurance after arriving in Texas. Because of her 25 years of loyalty and contributions to the agency in Houston, the owner awarded her with a life pension, something not given to others in her office. She was recruited to work at a second insurance agency where she eventually retired after 5 years. In retirement Roberta loved to plant and view beautiful flowers. Roses were her favorite.
Roberta was preceded in death by her father Felix Pace and her mother Nina Simmons Pace. She was also preceded in death by her seven brothers and sisters; Clinton Pace, Mattie Lou Gullette, Ina Jean Bowron, Wenona Serpas, Marshall Pace, Mabel Hughes and Dorothy Dubose. She is succeeded by her daughter Bobbye Simmons Chauffe. Special acknowledgement is given to Karen Savage and Lareta Kelly who, along with Bobbye and her husband John, worked tirelessly providing Roberta care during the final years of her life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Brookside Funeral Home - Champions.
4 Entries
November 17, 2017
I am so thankful I got to meet Roberta. She was in the hospital when I saw her. I will always remember her sweet smile. I also would talk to her on the phone when trying to get in touch with Bobbye. Roberta would tell me where Bobbye had gone. I could tell just talking to her that she had a good personality and would be a good friend to have. Bobbye, you look so much like your mother and that is a compliment. I know you and John will miss her but you will never regret all you did for her.
Nadine Riley
November 17, 2017
George Akiki
Roberta was one of the warmest, loving and most caring people; she was my inspiration, a beautiful woman in her personality, integrity, and actions. She will live on in my memory and thoughts, Roberta will always be missed but never forgotten.
"George Akiki"
November 17, 2017
Roberta was a very sweet and caring lady. I didn't get to know her till her later years. She was always smiling. She was very proud of her flowers. She will be missed.
A neighbor and friend, Mary Burke
November 16, 2017
Joyce and Robert Fuller
Roberta brought alot of sunshine to many lives. She lived a full and interesting life. She will be missed by many. Joyce and Robert Fuller
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