Mary Elizabeth Caldwell-Simmons

October 14, 1948 - July 29, 2020

Mary Elizabeth Caldwell-Simmons, 71, passed away on July 29th, 2020 at St. Luke Hospital. Mary was born in Toledo, Oh on October 14th, 1948 to parents Elizabeth and Robert Caldwell Sr. She was a 1966 graduate of Libbey High School and went on to become a graduate of University of Toledo where she earned her degree in the Arts in 1970. She began working as an art teacher at Waite High School. Mary returned to school to obtain her Master’s Degree in Special Education in 1984 where she taught as an Intervention Specialists for 32 years at DeVaux Jr. High School. She retired in 2013. For over 50 years, Mary was a member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC) and Youth Affiliates where she served in the Lethia C. Flemings/Joymakers charity club and was a co-founder of GLAD charity club. Throughout her years in federation, she was an active and beloved member. She served in many offices including Local and State Vice President and State Women’s President. Mary was a lifelong member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church where she served on the usher board, in the church choir, led bible study, youth programs, organized the dance program and was active in many other areas of the church. Mary was preceded in death in 1975 by her father, Robert Caldwell Sr.; in 1997 by her step- father, Matthew Walker; and in 2012 by her mother, Elizabeth Caldwell-Walker. She is survived by her daughter, Allie Gates (Devon); step-daughter; Latonya Goss; sister Jacqueline Ulmer; brother; Robert Caldwell Jr. (Teresa) step-sister; Rosa Wright (Charles); niece, Sherise Ulmer; nephews, Robert Caldwell III, Ranard Caldwell, Raymond Caldwell, Jay Ulmer; and a multitude of other family and friends. Memorial Visitation will be on August 6th at 11 a.m at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, with Ohio Association of Colored Women's Club rites to conclude the visitation. Home-Going will follow the visitation at 12 p.m., Pastor Brock as officiant.