Grace Elizabeth “Bette” Hurst Simmons

Grace Elizabeth “Bette” Hurst Simmons was born on September 19, 1928, in Evanston, Illinois. She was the daughter of Gordon and Dorothy Hurst and raised in San Jose, California. With a taste for adventure and a worldly curiosity, Bette became a Pan American airline stewardess in her early twenties. After marrying the Pan Am pilot turned business entrepreneur Warren Lewis Simmons and having three children, she settled in Belvedere, California. She was a devoted member of her community, where she raised her boys and watched her grandchildren and great-grandchild thrive until she passed away. Although she struggled with alcoholism in early mid-life, she became sober on April 8, 1968. A pioneer for women’s sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, Bette believed that there is no shame in seeking help for the disease of alcoholism. Her life’s mission became maintaining her sobriety and to support women and fellow alcoholics. Many of Bette’s sponsees have celebrated thirty to forty years of sobriety. Her loving guidance and support was a pillar they joyfully leaned on. Her dogged conviction was forged in her desire to be a loving mother to her three boys. She would often say, “Without AA, I would not have a family.” Her love of her boys extended outward and multiplied through her spirituality. Bette’s loving heart touched every person she met. She spent the remaining fiftythree years of her life sober and dedicated to Alcoholics Anonymous and helping others.

She is survived by her sons Warren “Scooter” Simmons Jr, Stuart Simmons and Greg Simmons; her beloved grandchildren Ryan Simmons, Nicki Asonye, Tyler Simmons and Jenny Simmons; and her greatgrandson Micah Simmons. She passed away at 92 years old. Bette’s life and spirit is a testament to the power of love.