Malcolm was born on August 10, 1939, to Herman and Ethel Simmons in New Orleans, Louisiana. After the dissolution of their marriage, Ethel, along with her two sons, migrated to Chicago.
In Chicago, Malcolm and his brother, Herman Jr., enrolled in the Chicago school system, attending John Marshall High School. He graduated in June as part of the 1957 class. Malcolm was voted the friendliest person in his class. He was also president of his social club, Mellow Men.
After high school, Malcolm continued to live with and take care of his mother. He met and later married his high school sweetheart, Karon Carson. To this union was born a daughter, Rhonda Lynn. They divorced in 1970.
Malcolm worked at Spiegel Warehouse for over thirty-five years, retiring as a supervisor. At Spiegel, he met and after a long courtship married Mary Strother. Mary brought into this union a daughter, Niecy, from a previous marriage.
Malcolm, being bored with retirement, started working at Best Buy. Malcolm loved working at Best Buy. Malcolm was an avid bowler and a strong Bid Whist player. He loved family and was always willing to share his knowledge with younger members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Sr., his mother, Ethel L. Anderson, and sister, Julia Ann Macon.
In his passing he leaves to mourn: his loving wife and partner of many years, Mary Strother; his daughter, Rhonda Lynn (Darryl J. Haithcox) (Dwayne Coffee); his granddaughter, Jessica Coffee; his great-grandson, Kai Carson Coffee; his stepdaughter, Niecy; his brother, Herman Jr. (Victoria) of California; two sisters, Latricia Ann (Stanley) of California, and Barbara Ann of Louisiana; his ex- wife and friend, Karon; his nephew, Derryck Malcolm, who he had a special bond with; as well as several nieces and nephews.
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