Joan Edrice Simmons

Joan Edrice Simmons, a beloved mother, pioneering Army Captain, accomplished accountant, and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025 at the age of 88. Born on May 15, 1937, in Mobile, Alabama, to John Elmore Edwards and Nettie Louise (Dean) Edwards, Joan lived a life defined by faith, service, and unwavering devotion to family. 

She was raised alongside her siblings, Mary Louise Harris and John Elmore Edwards. After graduating from Central High School in 1954, Joan earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Dillard University in New Orleans in 1958, where she also became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated—an organization she cherished for its commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service. In 1960, she pursued further education in finance and later became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)—a distinction that allowed her to teach accounting at Ivy Tech College in Anderson, Indiana, and assist individuals and families with personal tax preparation. 

In 1958, Joan enlisted in the United States Army—an extraordinary achievement, as she entered directly as an officer. Over her seven years of honorable service, she rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for acts of heroism. Her military career was marked by excellence and leadership at a time when few women—and even fewer women of color—served in such roles. 

Following her military service, Joan worked for 30 years at the U.S. Army Finance and Accounting Center at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, where she played a vital role in ensuring the Army’s financial operations ran effectively and responsibly. 

Joan was deeply engaged in her community. She served for 24 years on the Board of Directors for the Financial Center Credit Union, including terms as Chairman of the Board, where her steady leadership helped shape the organization’s mission and success. 

A devout Catholic, Joan was a lifelong member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Indianapolis. Her faith remained central throughout her life—guiding her decisions, comforting her in trials, and enriching her relationships. 

She was a loving and devoted mother to four children: the late Dawn Louise Simmons, the late Lenn Eugene Simmons, Edrice Louise Simmons (married to Debra Clements), and Brett Edwards Simmons (fiancée Catherine Marie Houston). She also lovingly raised Troy Anthony Williams as her own. 

Joan’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Jasmine Danielle Simmons, Adelynn Simmons, Lucas Scott, Isiah Scott, Charlie Williams, Troy Anthony Williams Jr., and Mecka Curry; and through her great-grandchildren: Kason Edward Simmons, Kenzli Elianna Edrice Russo, Ariel Danielle Caldwell, Jaxon Maverick Simmons, KaMyla Curry, Kai’Leigh Curry, Zyhir Scanlan, Zahki Scanlan, Zyaun Scanlan, and Khari Scanlan. 

Joan Edrice Simmons will be remembered for her grace, strength, intellect, and deep generosity. Her life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and unconditional love—a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23, from 10am to 12 noon, at St. Monica Catholic Church, 6131 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46228. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, and honoring Joan’s deep love of education and love for her grandchildren, donations can be made payable to the Joan Simmons Education Trust and mailed to Steven’s & Associates PC, 3755 E. 82nd St. Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN. 46240