LaVenia Anita Simms was born on October 18, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the union of Cora L. and David T. Simms Sr. She went home to be with the Lord on November 20, 2023.

She grew up in Cincinnati and attended Cincinnati Public Schools, graduating from Withrow High School, where she cultivated life-long friendships. Lavenia, who followed the footsteps of her brother and sister, continued her education at Central State University. She graduated from Central State with a bachelor's degree in business administration. She moved to Indianapolis to teach at St. Rita's Catholic School. A few years later, she met and married Larry Moore and their union was blessed with one daughter, Tamara Moore.

The couple moved to California where LaVenia went to work for The Drew Medical School as an administrative assistant. She worked at Drew for many years, making more life-long friends, before returning to Cincinnati years later. Upon her return home she was employed by The University of Cincinnati as a senior buyer in laboratory and medical supplies. She retired in 2007 after 28 years of service.

Lavenia enjoyed meeting people at UC, as well as volunteering to help college freshmen. She was also a dedicated foster parent, along with Tamara, providing love and a stable home to children for 21 years.

Lavenia was a very giving and unselfish person who loved to reach out to anyone who needed help. She lived her life by loving and giving and putting God first. Even during her challenging illness, she never complained but exclaimed, "Isn't God amazing."

She was blessed with a great sense of humor and loved to watch cowboy movies, Murder She Wrote and work on her word-find books.

Loved ones who preceded her in death include her parents, Cora L. and David T. Simms Sr.; sister-in-love, Bettie Simms; sister, Gloria Childress and brother-in-law, James Childress, along with her dear niece, Kaya.

Her loving spirit will forever be cherished by her daughter, Tamara (William Turnage) Moore; her grandson, Jeremiah Moore; her brother, David T. Simms Jr. and sister, Diana (Rudy) Smith. She will also be dearly missed by host of nieces, nephews, cousins other family and community of friends.