Cynthia Simmons

Cynthia Joyce Black was born on June 20, 1955 to Rufus Sr and Hattie Pearl Black. She was the fourth child and only daughter of 6 children. Growing up on the west side of Indianapolis, she proudly claimed her Haughville roots and her alma maters—School 4 and Crispus Attucks High School. After graduating from Attucks with the class of 1973, she entered the workforce. She began working for the Indiana State Department of Workforce Development as a Grant Specialist. She worked there for over 30 years, elevating her position throughout her time there and ultimately retiring in 2014. After retiring, she pursued and received her counseling certification through the Association of Certified Biblical Counseling. Through this program, she was trained and certified to provide Biblical solutions for the problems people face. Cynthia met the love of her life, Charles Simmons, Sr., and they were married on April 3, 1976. They loved to travel together and especially loved cruising and retreating to Florida with their friends. She loved hearing her husband sing love songs to and about her. For 48 years, they lived out their commitment before us. They took their vows seriously and wanted to be a living representation of how Christ loved the church. Additionally, she poured herself into her two children–Charles Jr and Keli. She raised them according to their bend and encouraged them to pursue their passions. She was proud of their accomplishments and did not waste an opportunity to support them whether by physically being present when Keli sang or spoke at an event or by advertising Charles Jr’s talents as a barber any chance she got. Her five brothers loved her well. They texted every day and always kept the playful banter going. Even though she was their only sister, she held her own. She looked forward to her time with them and the entire Black family. She especially loved the annual 4th of July celebrations. Their bond was tight-knit and she never wasted an opportunity to get them together as only a sister could do. Her grandchildren were undoubtedly her second ministry. Sis. Simmons was completely different from MawMaw. Tuesdays with MawMaw created some of their favorite memories. The grandkids could always count on MawMaw to cheer them on, give them advice, listen to the things that bothered them, answer their calls, FaceTimes or text messages, help them to feel better when they were too sick for school, and to send a daily scripture through text message. She also loved celebrating Christmas with her family. She hosted “Simmons Family Christmas” every year. She loved preparing the food, including her secret fruit punch that we’ll never have the recipe for and organizing fun games. Her one requirement was for everyone to sing carols before the night ended and the highlight of the night was the newest version of the 12 Days of Christmas that was created on the spot and ended in much laughter. Cynthia served alongside her husband, Pastor Charles Simmons, Sr for 35 years of ministry at Berean Bible Church. At Berean, where she was affectionately known as Sis. Simmons (because she dare not be called First Lady), she served the Lord in a variety of ways. She was passionate about youth, women, and marriages. She found creative ways to bring the Word to life and often portrayed different characters such as one half of Joy and Happiness or Mama Lucille and Velveeta. She loved directing Vacation Bible School, teaching teen Sunday School, leading women’s Bible study classes, and even counseling women and children when needed. Having no sisters, she also established sisterly bonds with several women who became special to her at Berean. To know her was to know that she lived by the phrase “all things done in excellence”. Those she loved knew that she loved you even through correction. She would pull you together with either a clearing of her throat, a sharp conversation, or simply saying “I’m out of it”. Cynthia was diagnosed with ALS in February of 2024. While the disease created physical limitations, the diagnosis gave room for increased faith and a greater hunger to know the Lord. People would often ask how she passed the time while at home and the answer always led to discussions about the latest Bible study she was completing or the songs she was listening to to keep her spirit encouraged. Although she could not physically be present for Sunday services, she never missed watching the live stream. She would often send text messages to individual Bereans letting them know she saw them on the screen and missed their smiles or that she hadn’t seen them on the screen and wanted to check in or even that the song they led that morning blessed her soul. Her faith remained strong and she continued to trust and praise the Lord for her healing, even as her family sang “Grateful” around her bedside, she lifted her hands in praise. She is now perfectly healed in Heaven where she is forever worshiping at His feet. Cynthia Simmons was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus, Sr and Hattie Black and her bonus daughter, Vanissa Simmons. Cynthia’s life and legacy will continue to be cherished by her husband, Charles Simmons, Sr., son, Charles, Jr., daughter Keli Reese (Ken); grandchildren: Seara, India, Sherrell, and Cobe Simmons, Kenneth Reese III, Alani Simmons, Kameron, Kenedi, Kylan, and Khloe Reese; her five brothers: Rufus Jr, Kenneth (Alfreida), Carl Sr., Erskine Sr., and Nathaniel Sr., God-daughter, Sophia Stevens (Lance) and their children Lance Jr and Levi, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Cynthia Simmons

June 20, 1955 - November 4, 2024