Ms. Loretta Simond

Loretta Simond was born to the union of Sam and Johnnie Mae Thomas on April 22, 1955 in Chicago, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her father in 1974 and her mother in 1998. Educated in the Chicago Public School System, she graduated from Harper High School in 1973. She attended Lakeland University in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she was an active member of the Phi Delta Omega Sorority. She later attended nursing school obtaining her Licensed Practical Nurse and Pharmacology certifications in 1984. With specialties in geriatrics and skilled nursing care, Loretta was very passionate about providing the absolute best service to her residents, and made it her business to be well informed about medicine and patient care. Ms. Simond was the spearheading component in establishing the Alzheimer’s Unit of the Alden Wentworth Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, where she was employed as a Charge Nurse. She was so knowledgeable in her profession that she was well sought after for medical advice. We all knew that she was a nurse, but we called her the “family doctor” because she was always spot on with her answers to our medical queries. After 23 years of service to her beloved senior citizen patients, including 20 years at Alden Wentworth, it became necessary for her to retire. Loretta was brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Bright Star Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of her uncle, Dr. James B. Stovall, Sr., was organized in 1958 in the home of her grandparents, Johnnie and Lizzie Duncan. When she was only 3 years old, Loretta, along with her older sister and her mother, became the very first official members of the church in addition to the immediate family of the pastor. Loretta had a personal experience with Jesus Christ, our Savior. She loved the church and God’s word. She would always jokingly say that the bible verse, St. Matthew 28:20, was written directly to her. The word of God says,“…Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Loretta, affectionately known as Lo, would say, “See? Jesus is talking to me.” On Mother’s Day, May 9, 1976, Loretta united in holy matrimony to Anthony C. Simond. To this union, one son was born - James. In 1984, she gave birth to her second son, Mark, with her fiancé’, Mark Spencer. In 2004, Loretta united with the Lilydale Progressive M.B. Church pastored by Reverend Romell Williams, Jr., who is her cousin and the grandson of the late Dr. James B. Stovall, Sr. She remained a faithful member of Lilydale until her health failed. Loretta was loving and generous to a fault. She was very outspoken, very candid - not afraid to speak her mind. Although some may have interpreted her straightforwardness as a mean streak, this was her way of safeguarding her tender heart - for she truly had a heart of gold. She was ever so outgoing, a real social butterfly, who had a special knack for making people laugh. She had many friends from all walks of life. In addition to her medical expertise and unique way with people, God blessed Loretta with the most beautiful and inspirational singing voice. Loretta leaves to mourn her passing two wonderful and loving sons - Elder James Simond and his wife, Kathy, of Country Club Hills, Illinois; and Mark and his fiancé’, Natasha Dixon, of Chicago, Illinois: two stepdaughters - Dorothea Moffith and Kirsten Moffith, both of Chicago, Illinois: three sisters - Linda (Rodney) Carter; Lizette (Derrick) Moore, both of Chicago; and Oma Lou (James) Ruff of Fulton, Mississippi; one uncle - Nathaniel (Yolanda) Duncan of Indianapolis, Indiana: two aunts - Catherine Smith of Jackson, Mississippi, and Denise (Johnnel) Howard of Country Club Hills, Illinois: seven nephews - Bobby (Charlotte) Parker of Fulton, Mississippi; Elder Rodney (Devlonne) Carter,Jr. of Bolingbrook, Illinois; James Carter, Matthew Carter, Derrick D. Moore, Derrick Moore, Jr., and Richard D. Ashford, all of Chicago, Illinois: four nieces, Teresa Stubbs of Hyde Park, New York; Tineisha Moore, Michelle Moore, and Jasmine Moore all of Chicago, Illinois: three granddaughters - Bianca Hairston, Cierra Campbell, and Jamie Nia Simond: her dear sister/ friend, her “Buddy” - Debra Nash - and her beautiful goddaughters, Nina and LaChana Nash: and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and other relatives and dear friends. Loretta will be sorely missed for her lovely smile and amicable character.

Ms. Loretta Simond

April 22, 1955 - March 28, 2017