Shirley A Simmons

Shirley A. Simmons Shirley (Mae) A. Simmons first opened her eyes on February 5th, 1937 where she was born in Halifax, North Carolina to mother Addie Lee and father Henry Theodore Armston Sr. Shirley was raised in Williamston, North Carolina and attended school at E.J. Hayes High School. There, she graduated in 1955 with honors and stayed active through her entire school career, from being a part of the band, basketball team, the speech club, to cheerleading. She began her journey in Christ at an early age by joining the Mt Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and grew to continue her journey at the Union Baptist Church in Stamford, Connecticut as a member since 1970. Outside of religion, Shirley traveled from place to place searching for work and a place to call home for her, and her only son, Derrick Piccard Simmons Sr. She resided in an apartment building called the Friendship House, in Stamford, and began work at a company called Pitney Bowes. Her job was to be a Lease Administrator for 25 years until she retired in 1997. Shirley’s love, kindness, and grace knew no bounds. She was a pillar in her community. Shirley was an active member of the Ferguson Library Book Club, the Friendship House Tenant Association, the Yerwood Seniors AARP Chapter of 2002, a Travel Club Trustee of 12 years, and a member of the NAACP. She lived her life the way she wanted: with no regrets. She loved to travel, shop, read, and play quiz games. Shirley was sole captain of her SAS bus trips for years and loved a good bargain. She was a fighter. Shirley spoke up against wrongdoings and praised those who did what was right. And while she continued to “fight the good fight,” the towel was eventually thrown in, and Shirley finally closed her eyes Sunday morning on March 19, 2023 in Stamford, Connecticut. She was 86. Shirley A. Simmons will truly be missed, but never forgotten by all that loved and knew her. She is survived by her favorite (and only) grandchildren, Jasmine, Jessica, Derrick Jr, and Jordin Simmons. As well as her daughter-in-law, Nedra Simmons, her nephews: Gregory Armston, Kyle and Kendell Edmonds, her niece, Elaine Carrinton; her niece-in-law Marcia Edmonds, her grandnephew and grandniece: Elise and Elijah Edmonds, and a surplus of family members, friends, and godchildren. Shirley always praised the Lord first and lived by her favorite Biblical scripture Philippians 4:13 (KJV). Heaven is her home now. She will be reunited with her son, Derrick Piccard Simmons Sr, her best friend and sister, Senora Edmonds, her two brothers Henry Jr and Kenneth Armston, and her parents. The Simmons family would like to take this time to thank you all for your prayers and condolences. A special thank you to Pastor Andre Bradley, Pastor Leroy Parker, Brenda Sanderson, Lillie “Queenie” Williams, and Verdell Johnson for showing remarkable love and support to Shirley until the very end. Thank you to the Union Baptist Church, Karen Graves Medley at Graves Medley Funeral Homes, and Fairfield Memorial Park. May God bless and keep you all the days of your lives. Visitation will be held on Thursday March 23, 2023 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Union Baptist Church 805 Newfield Ave. Stamford, CT., Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park. Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

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Shirley A Simmons

February 5, 1937 - March 19, 2023