GLENDA FAE “PEACHES” SIMPKINS-GANIER
Glenda Fae Simpkins-Ganier was born on September 26, 1944 in Mansfield, Louisiana to the late Willie Hazel Street-Scott and the late Dr. Cuthbert O. Simpkins. During that time, it was customary to be born at home and Ms. Della “Mama Dell” Shepherd was the midwife in attendance at her birth in a small house on Gibbs Street. She was educated in the Louisiana, DeSoto Parish, School system graduating Salutatorian in the Class of 1962. “Peaches” was a member of the award-winning superior-ranking high school choir under the direction of the renowned Mr. Bobby Wiggins. She also played clarinet in the school Marching Band and was a member of numerous academic clubs and church and social organizations. She was motivated to higher learning by her dedicated teachers and continued on to various collegiate institutions including Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she was a member of the Varsity Cheerleader Squad and pledged Zeta Phi Beta in her sophomore year; Texas Southern University for a summer session and, in 1967, graduating with honors from Grambling College — now, Grambling State University– with a majoring degree in Business Education and a minor in Social Studies.
After graduation, “Peaches” was hired as a Business Teacher at the All Saints High School in Pelican, DeSoto Parish, Louisiana for the 1967-68 school session. Undecided as to whether she would continue her career in education or would prefer to work in the world of business instead, from 1968-69, she worked in various businesses holding various Administrative Support titles. The most notable, to her, was with Mobil Oil Company where she became the first Black and the first female employee in the history of the company.
In August 1969, she returned to her teaching career in the Louisiana school system accepting a Business Teacher position in the Orleans Parish School District. During her tenure, she taught at Walter L. Cohen 1969-70; Alcee Fortier 1970-74; Raboiun 1974-87 and McDonough 35 from 1987 to 2002. She was also a Division Instructor at Southern University in New Orleans and taught Summer School there for many years. She made the most positive impact on the lives and ambitions of thousands of students under her 30-plus-year tutelage.
After Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, she returned to her hometown of Mansfield and accepted assignments as a substitute teacher in the DeSoto Parish School system where she taught mainly at the Mansfield High School and the Alternative School.
In June 2011, Glenda moved to Ghana with her Sister Cassandra Diane Scott. They established Education Impact Family Group whose sole purpose was the “Provide Tools for a Better Education” by donating school supplies to students throughout the Greater Accra Region. They opened the Joe Green-Dome’ Pillar II Community Library in their home serving over 100 children in the Pillar II community each day. She also assisted in creating improved methods of teaching and documentation for school instructors.
In December 2023, Ms. Ganier garnered a “Mansfield First” by being the only resident of the city to be granted dual citizenship in Ghana, West Africa.
Glenda “Peaches” Simpkins-Ganier quietly bade us adieu at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the International Maritime Hospital in Tema, Ghana. Her infectious personality will be absent in the lives and hearts of all who loved her throughout the two continents and the world.
She leaves to lament her Transition: Sister, Cassandra Diane Scott-Davis; Brother, Dr. Cuthbert O. Simpkins, II; Nephew, Patrick Montgomery; Sister-in-Law, Diane Philips-Simpkins, Best Friend, Diana Mae Kimble and an unending host of loving family members and friends.
The surviving Family of Glenda “Peaches” Simpkins-Ganier extends the most sincere gratitude to everyone who mourned and celebrated her Transition. Without your support, the responsibilities of granting her wishes would not have been realized in the phenomenal manner in which it concluded. “Thank you” cannot convey our appreciation for the deeply-felt affection you’ve shown for our Loved One and to our Family.
The Celebration of Life for “Peaches” was a somber, yet, festive occasion in that her beautiful memories superseded our immense feeling of loss shared by each of whom she left in the wake of her extraordinary Life. She is truly missed.
Over two continents, the outpouring of support was astounding. She was well-loved and cared for in Ghana, West Africa where she resided since 2011; in New Orleans where she taught school for over 30 years; in Mansfield, her Beloved Hometown and throughout the world by those who had the pleasure of her embracing personality.
