Mr. J. B. Simmons, born April 15, 1947 in the town of Smoaks, South Carolina where he also resided. He was the last surviving son of the late Jerry Simmons and Pearleen Jenkins Simmons. Following an extended illness, he succumbed to death and found refuge in his Savior’s arms on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at his home.
Home-Going Celebration will be held Friday, August 14, 2020 at 12:00 noon, Jadon Buckner, Host Pastor and Bishop Floyd W. White Eulogist. Interment, Lovely Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. A public viewing will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Stephens-Maree-Tracy Funeral Home Chapel of Serenity from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(THOSE ATTENDING THE FUNERAL ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR FACIAL MASKS, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE ENFORCED.)
He was educated in the public schools of Colleton County School District. He was a lifelong member of Lovely Hill Baptist Church. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at Colleton Middle School during a Revival conducted by Prophet Bryan Mosley. He rededicated his life to Christ in 2011 at Lovely Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Floyd W. White, where he served on the J.S. Utsey Male Chorus. He also sang with a male quartet along with his cousin Wilson, brothers Jerry and Jack, and friends Tom and Willie (musician).
He was employed by Youngswear Manufacturer, Benny Phillips Home Builders, KD Tools, and Coastal Food Distributors. In 1982, he pursued his lifelong dream and became an entrepreneur and with the help of God and family he built Jay’s Quick Stop (the first black convenience store in the community). He was delighted in sharing with family and those in the community. One of his proud moments was when the older ladies came by after church and he would give them cold sodas. His nieces, nephews and other children looked forward to going to his store to get their bag of goodies.
Jay was a man of many talents. He enjoyed landscaping, cooking, cleaning, building, couponing, singing and a good debate.
On May 26, 1972 he married the love of his life, Miss Sandra Yates, and to this union three lovely children were born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, A. B. (his twin), Jerry, Jack, James, Rickey, Willie and Ulysease, his father-in-law, Paul Yates, his brothers-in-law, Bobby Varn, Robert Earl Robinson and Randy Singleton.
His memories will be forever cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Sandra, his sons, Mr. Jeffery B. (Bever-Leigh) Simmons, Richmond Hills, GA, Mr. Shawn E. (Celeste) Simmons, Walterboro, SC, a dedicated daughter, Mrs. L. Jeannine (Joseph) Davis, Charlotte, NC, grandchildren, Paris, Quasean, Diamyn, Gabrielle, Jae-lynn, Leigha, Asa, Ariah, Shakemp, Daterria, Nikeal. Jorryn, Joseph IV, India, Jordan, London, great-grandchildren, Kayden, Ashawn, Jamir, Ava, Khalani, Khamani, Oshen, Nyla, sisters, Ms. Jestine S. Robinson, Walterboro, SC, Evangelist Earleen S. (Reverend Sinclair) Holback, Orangeburg, SC, an adopted sister, Mrs. Margaree (William) Richardson, mother-in-law, Ms. Mildred Yates, Ruffin, SC, sisters-in-law, Ms. Rebecca Simmons, Ms. Patricia Simmons, Ms. Anna B. Simmons, Ms. Catherine Simmons, Ms. Joannie Simmons, Ms. Doris Simmons, Ms. Patricia Varn, Mrs. Carol (Dexter) Stephens, Mrs. Aquilla (Mike) Cavenaugh, Mrs. Tammy (Clarence) Walker, brothers-in-law, Mr. Freddie (Isabell) Yates, Mr. Frederick (Shirley) Yates, Mr. Paul (Catherine) Yates, Mr. Jonathan Yates, Mr. Tony (Linda) Yates, uncles, Mr. Earl Cameron, Mr. Calloway, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
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