Beatrice Rowe

Beatrice Simmons Rowe was born on October 3, 1928, to the late parents of Reverend Hillman Simmons and Mrs. Ollie Simmons in Birmingham, Alabama. Bea was preceded in death by her four brothers and one sister. She graduated from Parker High School in Birmingham. Upon graduation, she enrolled in Alabama A & M University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.
On October 19, 1951, Bea married the late George Rowe. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Marchita Lenae who preceded her in death, one son, Gregory George and a daughter, Gisele Simmons.
Bea moved to Cincinnati in her teens, worked at RCA before she began her teaching career with Cincinnati Public Schools. She retired from Cincinnati Public Schools in 1991 after 27 years of service.
Bea was a loyal and faithful member of Gaines United Methodist Church for over 50 years. As a member of Gaines, she served as Superintendent of Sunday School, the chairperson of Pastor Parrish Relations, a member of United Methodist Women, Church Women United, attended the Bible Study Classes and worked on the Mission Team. Bea faithfully attended and truly loved her Sunday School Class. She served her church faithfully until her health failed.
Bea, George and the children traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and the Islands. During their later years, Bea and George were able to travel with their adult friends, and often spent winters in Florida.
Bea was also active in community organizations. She was a member of Top Ladies of Distinction, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Kennedy Heights Seniors
Club. However, her first love was God, her family, friends and extended family.
As Bea’s illness progressed, she became more dependent on Gregory, Gigi and Vickey. Greg often went to the store three or four times daily for her snacks and root beer. She never wanted Gigi to leave her side, not even to go to work.
Bea leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved son, Gregory (Vickey); a loving and devoted daughter, Gisele; one brother, Reginald Simmons (Aurelia); one sister, Rebecca Saunders; grandson, Quincy Reed; two great-grand- daughters, Kaliyah and Kaniyah Reed; two step-grand- children, Porchá Menzise (Jeff) and Tony Wafford, Jr.; two step-great-grandchildren, RáMen and Senbi Menzise; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.