Addie Alletha Ware

Addie Alletha Ware, age 98, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in her home, surrounded and comforted by her beloved family: daughter and son-in-law, Vanessa and William Biggs, and granddaughters Morgan Biggs and Vanessa Lally. A devoted mother, grandmother, friend, and role model, Addie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished. She was a steadfast woman with a feisty spirit.

Born Addie A. Simmons on May 24, 1927, near Shreveport, Louisiana, in Caddo Parish, she received her early childhood education there. Later, she moved with her family to East Texas (Panola County), where she completed her secondary education and graduated from high school. As a young woman, Addie believed education was key to fulfilling her dreams. She enrolled in Texas College in Tyler, Texas, where she worked her way through school and successfully obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics.

At that time in the South, there were limited opportunities for a college-educated African American woman. Undeterred by these societal barriers, Addie was determined to improve her life and joined the “Great Migration” of Black Americans leaving the South for major cities in the North. She relocated to Chicago, Illinois, to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher.

In Chicago, she married Rice Ware (from Aberdeen, Mississippi), and they had two children: Darryl Ware and Vanessa Ware, whom they successfully raised to adulthood. Addie achieved her goal of becoming a teacher, employed by the Chicago Public School System, where she taught mostly seventh and eighth-grade students. Over the course of her career, she also earned a Master of Education degree from DePaul University. After 42 years of teaching, she retired in 2002.

Addie was known for her culinary skills—a great cook and baker who delighted in preparing meals for others to enjoy. She was a stickler for dining etiquette and had high standards for home upkeep. A history buff, Addie enjoyed reading autobiographies of prominent American figures. She had a passion for politics and could be a fiery debater on the issues she cared about. She stayed well-informed on both national and global topics.

Addie loved to dress fashionably, adorn herself with “nice things,” and indulge in “self-care.” She was a prolific shopper, going on countless shopping sprees across the country and abroad, most often with her daughter, Vanessa. She enjoyed theater and the performing arts, attending many stage plays and several live concerts. She also loved listening to jazz music and absolutely delighted in dining out at restaurants.

Travel was another of Addie’s great passions. She took numerous cruises, visited destinations across the United States, and traveled internationally—most often accompanied by her daughter and family on vacations and excursions.

Addie was deeply dedicated to her family, offering unwavering support to her mother, children, and grandchildren. She lovingly cared for her mother, Cleopatra, until her passing, and played an integral role in raising her granddaughters. After living in Chicago for over 50 years, Addie relocated to Maryland in 2002—largely due to her daughter Vanessa’s persistent encouragement. At age 75, she embarked on a new life chapter, bringing two teenage granddaughters with her.

She was a loving, supportive, hands-on, no-nonsense grandmother who adeptly cared for three granddaughters. Addie poured her wisdom and life lessons into raising Asialon, Vanessa, and Morgan. She also made a profound impact on her grandchildren living in Chicago. She settled comfortably into her home in Bowie, Maryland, living independently until the age of 97. In October 2024, following a sudden illness and age-related health challenges, she moved in with her daughter, who lovingly cared for her until her passing.

Addie leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted daughter Vanessa Biggs (and son-in-law William Biggs), son Darryl Ware of Chicago, and granddaughters Morgan Biggs, Vanessa Lally (Devin), and Asialon Ware; along with two great-granddaughters she was blessed to know: Mya and Jasmine.

She is also survived by five additional grandchildren: Nicolette, Kirsten, Morgan, and Sydney; grandson Dorrian; and great-grandchildren.

Addie will be remembered fondly by the many special friends who saw her as a mother figure, and by all those whose lives she touched throughout her life’s journey.