DOROTHY LEE SIMMONS WHITE, MOTHER OF TOMMIE SIMMONS, DIES AT 79

Dorothy Lee Simmons White, beloved mother of West Side political organizer and civic activist Tommie Simmons, died April 12. She was 79 years old. Ms White was born in Minter City, Mississippi, on August 4, 1930, the fifth child of Jimmie and Georgia Simmons. At the age of 18, she married John Wesley White and they had three children. In 1955, she moved to Chicago and in 1974 joined Gammon Memorial United Methodist Church.
    Dorothy worked for Standard Coleman Electronics and Ceco Steel. After retiring, she held a domestic position until her health declined. She took pride in her six children and provided for family members in need. Dorothy was famous for her pound cakes.
    Two sons, Leandrew White and Claudell Simmons, preceded her in death. She leaves one daughter, Darlene Carter; an adopted daughter, Deloris Ivy; three sons, Thomas Simmons, Lance White, and Glenn White; plus three sisters and a brother. She also leaves eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; plus a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.