Sheila Marie Simms

Sheila Marie Simms of Boyd’s, MD, age 67, passed away on March 8th, 2024, marking the end of a life filled with love, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Born on June 3rd, 1956, Sheila was the daughter of Gladys Rebecca Simms. During her school years she played center on the basketball team and was a part of the Track and field team. She graduated from Linganore High School in June of 1973 and pursued further education at various institutions, including Frederick Community College for Business Administration, Hagerstown Business College for Progressive Discipline Training, Abbie Business Institute, Clerical Training Institute, and the Management Development Institute. Sheila also dedicated herself to caregiving addiction counseling, demonstrating her commitment to helping others.

Sheila's professional journey was marked by versatility, hard work, and dedication. Over the years, she contributed her talents to NEBB in Gaithersburg, MD, from 2003 to 2010 and resumed her position in 2015 until her passing. Prior to that, she held positions at Frederick Aviation Municipal Airport as an air traffic controller for 14 years; Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Project 103 for Substance Abuse Services in Frederick, MD for 15 years; Symantec also known as AXENT as a marketing specialist in Rockville, MD for 10 years; and served as Dr. Robert Crouch's medical secretary in Frederick, MD for 5 years. Additionally, she spent two decades at Homestead Farm in Poolesville, MD. Sheila also lent her skills as an Administrative Assistant for one year before working her way up to being promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant for a Public Adjusting and Disaster Recovery Service also known as GGGAI. She made a few accomplishments of becoming a notary which she was very proud of, She purchased her home in September 2000 and she purchased her first convertible car Red Honda CRX.. Sheila’s hard work and dedication to her jobs will never be forgotten or go unnoticed and although she is gone, there will never be another Sheila like her.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sheila's life was marked by her immense capacity for love and generosity. Having entered foster care at a young age, she later became a foster mother, extending her nurturing care to many before having two children of her own. Sheila's selflessness knew no bounds; she was always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or a place to stay for those in need. Sheila will always be remembered saying “You need to be confident within yourself and love yourself” “Stop procrastinating” and most importantly “Be Independent” Sheila always left a message on how important it was to be strong and independent as a beautiful black woman. She will also be remembered by her bag of goodies she always had, her Diet Coke in hand, and her famous potato salad and cabbage for family events.

Sheila was a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan since 1974. During her little free time, she loved jazz music, but also enjoyed listening to Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott She liked watching British tv channels, football, SYFY, mystery movies, reading mystery books, being with family, planning cookouts, cooking, traveling across the U.S, sewing, horseback riding, playing games and eating crab legs/ cream of crab soup.

Sheila had so much strength, courage, and confidence within her. Her vibrant spirit, smile and voice illuminated every room she entered, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Sheila’s amazing faith in God and her personal relationship with him brought her through her toughest times in life and latest battle of illness.

Sheila is survived by her two loving children, Marques J. Gamber and Celine E. Gamber, four brothers: Charles E. Simms, Willie G. Simms and Tony, Steven R. (Joe) Simms, and Cornelius F. (Fitz) Simms, as well as two sisters, Mary E. Hobson, and Jacqueline M. Simms. She also leaves behind foster sisters/brothers: Debra Rollins, LaJuan Jackson, Rose Thompson, Carol Smith (Rollins), Teresa Smith, Tammy Haynesworth, Austin Holland, Lamont Miller, Shawn Fisher, Sonny Carter, and Brandon Fisher; her devoted friend Sylvia Durant, One aunt GloriaJean Ray and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and three beloved pups – Chloe, Lacie, and Buddy.

Sheila was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Rebecca Simms, Father, her grandmother, Macey Scott, three brothers Leonard Payne Sr., John H. Simms, and Sylvester T. (Gene) Simms, and one sister, Macey Simms.

A memorial service to honor Sheila's life will be announced shortly.