Obituary of Roosevelt Simmons

Reverend Roosevelt Simmons Reverend Roosevelt Simmons, Age 82, of Elmira, NY went to be with his lord very unexpectedly on Sunday, November 29, 2015. He was born in Grenada, Mississippi as one of the eight children of the late Louis and Etta Spencer Simmons. He received his elementary and high school education in the Grenada Public School system. Reverend Simmons was married to the late Cherry F. Eliga Simmons. He was the proud parent of Mrs. Lillie (Bernette) Rollins; Ms. Shari A. Simmons and the late Arthur L. (Margaret) Williams II. He was the loving brother of Lewis Simmons and Clyde (Leona) Simmons along with the late K.C. (Aslean) Blanks, Dorothy Simmons Harris, Frank (Jean) Simmons, Lloyd (Ada) Simmons and Mary Simmons (James) Williams. He was also the proud grandparent of eight grandchildren, Michelle Rollins-Thompson, Paulette (Robert) Harriel, Sonja A. Williams, Arthur L. Williams III, Bernette (Kim) Rollins; Sibrina J. Nicholson; Jason (Nichole) Rollins and Roosevelt Alexander Simmons; a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren. He loved all of his nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. He had a special closeness to his longtime friend, Cleavus Watts. Involvement in church and community work has always been a part of Rev. Simmons’ life because he was raised in a strong Christian family. He loved to joke and make everyone leave with a smile on their face as he laughed along with them. He was faithful to building up the kingdom of God and he loved sharing the word of God. Reverend Simmons was the former pastor of the Frederick Douglass Memorial A.M.E. Zion church in Elmira NY(1993-2009); Former Pastor of Minnie L. Floyd Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church of Elmira NY (1993-1995); Former Pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Zion church in Binghamton, NY (1991-1992); Former Pastor of St. Matthew’s A.M.E. Zion Church (1985-1990). He worked many years for Kennedy Valve Company in Elmira NY where he had many friends in his co-workers. Roosevelt’s community affiliations include Past Master of the Mt. Nebo Lodge #82 P.H.F.A. – He was also a 32nd degree mason and Past Grand Chaplin; Former President/Member of the Alliance of Interdenominational Ministers; Former Trustee/Member for the Chemung County Council of Churches; Former Chairperson/Member of the Chemung County Human Relations Justice Committee; Member of the Leader Vision Team for Churches of Chemung Valley; Former member of the United Methodist Greater Elmira Parish; and Life Time Member of the Elmira/Corning Branch of the NAACP. Rev. Simmons’ great works have been recognized throughout the years. He has received the following awards: “Life Achievement Award” from the Elmira Corning Branch of the NAACP (2009); Recognition for over 27 years of Ministerial Service of the Christian Faith to the Albany District Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (2012); and Recognitions from the Alliance of Interdenominational Ministers for exceptional service to God, family, church and community (2009 and 2015).