Gloria Simmons

Gloria Haskell was born September 10, 1945 in Eutawville, SC to the late John Anderson and Annie Mae Reese.  It was in the loving home of Gloria’s grandparents Robert and Willie Mae Haskell that she was introduced to the Lord.  Gloria was baptized at an early age and joined Tabernacle Baptist Church.  It was on this foundation of faith that Gloria built the framework of her life, guided by the blueprint of the Holy Spirit.  Gloria was actively involved at Tabernacle Baptist Church where she sang in the choir as a youth.  Gloria will be remembered for her beautiful voice that she used to exalt her Lord and Savior.  It was while singing in the choir in 1963 that Gloria met Elijah E. Simmons.  That meeting blossomed into a love that was ordained on July 5th 1967.  From that union, Gloria and Elijah had four sons.

Gloria Haskell Simmons became a member of Hickory Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Bronx, NY, where the late Rev. Frank S. Simmons became the spiritual shepherd to her family.  She joined the choir and was a dedicated member.  In 1990, Gloria moved back to SC and joined Hickory Hill Baptist Church in Pineville under the leadership of Milton E. Scott.  It was during these years that Gloria found her passion in leading the youth ministry and was actively involved with the children of Hickory Hill.  Gloria decided at 60 years old to go back to school and received her certification in early childhood education with a 3.98 gpa.  Gloria opened a daycare and provided loving care for the children of her community for many years.  Gloria will be remembered for her loving smile, genuine spirit and giving heart.  Gloria had a gentle but affirmative demeanor and always provided an ear to listen.  She will be dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of interacting with her.

Those Gloria leaves to cherish her fond memories include her loving and devoted husband, Elijah E. Simmons Sr. of the home; four(4) sons, Elijah E. Simmons Jr. (Angela) of Virginia Beach, VA; Kelvin Simmons (Nance) of Chesapeake Beach, MD; Greg Simmons (Marchelle) of Chicago, IL and Gary Simmons of Houston, TX; nine (9) grandchildren, Isaiah, Aliyah, Alaysia, Elijah III, Josí, Jérémie, Simone, Reese and Jayden; four (4) extended grandchildren, Johnny III, Aubrey, Jonas and Brae’lynn; a dear and loving brother, Richard Haskell (Hattie); special brothers, Leroy Haskell and Ted Council (Frances);  loving brother-in-laws, St. Julian Simmons and Francis Simmons (Mary); dearest sister-in-laws, Carolyn Davis, Rebecca Simmons and Inetha Simmons; very special sisters, Sandra Watson, Delores Clinton and Julia Morton and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, church family and friends and a spiritual sister in Christ, Carrie Milligan.

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