Althea T. L. Simmons (April 17, 1924 - September 13, 1990) was a civil rights activist and attorney with the NAACP for over 35 years. Simmons was the head of the NAACP's Washington D.C. office and its chief lobbyist from 1979 to 1990. She was well-known for her effective lobbying, close monitoring of lawmakers' voting habits, and her commanding presence. She died at the age of 66 from respiratory failure after hip surgery.