Obituary for Albert James Simmons Sr.
Albert James Simmons Sr. was born on July 14, 1935 in Savannah, Georgia. He was the youngest of six children born to parents John and Eloise Simmons. His mother died when he was only 2 years old and was then raised by his grandmother who they called “Tonk”.
Albert always spoke fondly of her. He was also the baby brother to his predeceased siblings, sisters Ruby and Mildred and brothers John, Clarence, and William. Al (as he was known to his friends) graduated from Beach high school in Savannah. Shortly aQer graduaRng, Al married Evelyn Bryant and they had four children. In an effort to provide a beUer life for his family, Al headed to New York City. Upon finding work there, Albert sent for his wife and two sons to join him.
The family moved around in several boroughs. It was in Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Brooklyn where eldest daughter Felica was born and in East New York, Brooklyn where their youngest child Karen was born. Now the family of six moved once more to Queens, NY where Evelyn and Albert purchased a home. During this Rme Al worked at Sterling manufacturing a toy distribuRon company in Brooklyn, NY. AQer moving to Queens, Al found a job with the Vitarine PharmaceuRcal company in Laurelton, NY where he became a foreman and where he eventually retired. In 1977 Albert and Evelyn parted their union and went their separate ways.
Al had a great love for his family and friends. It was not unusual for Al to just show up at a friend’s home unannounced just to say hello and visit. And if the friend were not home it was never a problem, he would catch up with them another Rme. Al was always willing to help and do for others never looking for anything in return.
He had a humbled spirit and did not like a lot of fanfare and fuss. In 1984, Al met the lady that would become his companion, friend and confidante for the last thirty-six years of his life, Marigold “Marie” Reynolds. Marie and Al spent Rme together visiRng family and friends, aUending birthday celebraRons and visiRng Marie’s birthplace in Belize. Al was known for his smile and always pleasant and friendly demeanor along with his compassionate spirit.
On the morning of June 7, 2020, God called Al home to rest. Al leaves to cherish his memories a host of family and friends: His sons Albert J. Simmons, Jr and Victor Simmons; daughter Karen Simmons (daughter Felicia Hickey predeceased him); daughter-in-laws Cheryl Lundy and Eva Simmons; granddaughters Alexis Lundy and Ericka Watson; his lovely companion Marie Reynolds and a host of other relaRves and friends.
Albert always spoke fondly of her. He was also the baby brother to his predeceased siblings, sisters Ruby and Mildred and brothers John, Clarence, and William. Al (as he was known to his friends) graduated from Beach high school in Savannah. Shortly aQer graduaRng, Al married Evelyn Bryant and they had four children. In an effort to provide a beUer life for his family, Al headed to New York City. Upon finding work there, Albert sent for his wife and two sons to join him.
The family moved around in several boroughs. It was in Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), Brooklyn where eldest daughter Felica was born and in East New York, Brooklyn where their youngest child Karen was born. Now the family of six moved once more to Queens, NY where Evelyn and Albert purchased a home. During this Rme Al worked at Sterling manufacturing a toy distribuRon company in Brooklyn, NY. AQer moving to Queens, Al found a job with the Vitarine PharmaceuRcal company in Laurelton, NY where he became a foreman and where he eventually retired. In 1977 Albert and Evelyn parted their union and went their separate ways.
Al had a great love for his family and friends. It was not unusual for Al to just show up at a friend’s home unannounced just to say hello and visit. And if the friend were not home it was never a problem, he would catch up with them another Rme. Al was always willing to help and do for others never looking for anything in return.
He had a humbled spirit and did not like a lot of fanfare and fuss. In 1984, Al met the lady that would become his companion, friend and confidante for the last thirty-six years of his life, Marigold “Marie” Reynolds. Marie and Al spent Rme together visiRng family and friends, aUending birthday celebraRons and visiRng Marie’s birthplace in Belize. Al was known for his smile and always pleasant and friendly demeanor along with his compassionate spirit.
On the morning of June 7, 2020, God called Al home to rest. Al leaves to cherish his memories a host of family and friends: His sons Albert J. Simmons, Jr and Victor Simmons; daughter Karen Simmons (daughter Felicia Hickey predeceased him); daughter-in-laws Cheryl Lundy and Eva Simmons; granddaughters Alexis Lundy and Ericka Watson; his lovely companion Marie Reynolds and a host of other relaRves and friends.