Obituary of Loyd Roy Simmons

Our beloved (Charles) Loyd Roy Simmons, Jr., husband, father, grand- father and great grandfather, god father, brother, uncle and cousin, was born on January 30, 1940 in Harlem Hospital, in Manhattan. He was the second child of the late Helen and Loyd Roy Simmons. Charles, Grandpa, Charley Boy, Charlie Baby, and Uncle Charles, and Mr. Charles as he was affectionately called received his formal education in the New York City Public School system. The family moved to the Bronx in 1944. He attended PS 23, JHS 51 and Haaren High School. Charles loved to play "stickball" and have fun, he loved laughter and life. Charles received his Christian education at the First Congregational Church of Morrisania,(Forest Avenue Community Church) in the Bronx. In 1957 he joined the United States Air Force where he served for four years and was honorably discharged at the end of his service. After returning home, Charles went to work for Barkley & Barklite. In 1967 he went to work for General Motors in Tarrytown, NY. He worked there until his retirement in 1997. On June 24,1961 Charles married Mary Evria Brown and from that union two children were born Lanise Simone and Chenille Denise. Charles though feisty and cutting at times was very good natured and always had a funny comment, and gave everyone a "pet name". He was known as the "social ambassador" of our family and community. He truly loved his family, his grannies were the apple of his eye. During his last year of illness, Charles' granddaughters Shanine resided with him, and learned what really made him "tick" as well as what "ticked him off', and Gabrielle was quite attentive. Charles departed this life on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, after a long illness. At his passing, he was surrounded by his family with much love. He leaves to remember him with love and cherish his memory his wife Mary, two dedicated and devoted daughters Lanise and Chenille, goddaughter Anitra Stanley, godson Leroy Minus, adopted daughter Leslie Smith, 6 grandchildren, Loyd Brandon, Shanine Lauren, Ashley Tonaye, Gabrielle Zhane, Sbelby Evria, Taniya Skye, adopted grandchildren Tre Smith, Chantel Smith, Cory Smith, Raquel Redmond, 2 great grandchildren, LaNaye (mother Ashley) and Darius (mother Janelle), one sister Rev. Rosalind Brathwaite (husband Adolphus), adopted brother David Ramsey, adopted brother- in-law Larry Rhinehart, mother-in-law Blanche Johnson, sister-in-law Lucille Hoskins (husband Robert), brother-in- law James Brown (wife Roberta), a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Nieces Pam and Lavasia was his lifeline to the world. His brother- in-Jaw Robbie was his best friend, Special thank you to John Jasper Brown of Seattle, Washington, who came and has been a dedicated nephew to his uncle during his illness, and most helpful to his Aunt Mary. Thank you to Special friends Guy (Derrick) Smith and Reggie Jackson. He leaves a host of cousins, other relatives and friends who will truly miss him. Gone but never forgotten.