Arneta W. Simmons

Arneta White Simmons

Sunset December 23, 2021

WAKE

Sunday, January 16, 2022, 6pm – 9pm

James Funeral Home, 540 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758

FUNERAL

Monday, January 17, 2022, 10:30am

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, 196 W Centennial Ave, Roosevelt, NY 11575

INTERMENT

Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY

A Celebration of Life

Arneta White Simmons

Sunset December 23, 2021

WAKE

Sunday, January 16, 2022, 6pm – 9pm

James Funeral Home, 540 Broadway, Massapequa, NY 11758

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9791724206?pwd=YkFOVTF5L3NMLytxR3laR3Yvdi9jdz09

Meeting ID: 979 172 4206 / Passcode: Arneta

FUNERAL

Monday, January 17, 2022, 10:30am

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, 196 W Centennial Ave, Roosevelt, NY 11575

INTERMENT

Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9791724206?pwd=YkFOVTF5L3NMLytxR3laR3Yvdi9jdz09

Meeting ID: 979 172 4206 / Passcode: Arneta

PLEASE SHARE PICTURES AND MEMORIES

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/massapequa-ny/arneta-simmons-10505752

Floral Arrangements

Please use Wicks Florist, 2170 Grand Ave, Baldwin, NY

(516) 223-8600

Scholarship Fund in Memory of Arneta White Simmons

Mail to Al Simmons, 123 N Wyoming Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079

Arneta White Simmons, beloved and respected by family, friends, students and all whose lives crossed hers, was born on October 27, 1937 in Laurens, South Carolina to William Abram White, well-known principal and Ethel Singleton White Perry, outstanding Georgia state teacher of the year. She and her brother inherited a rich legacy of faith, family and education. She transitioned from life peacefully on December 23, 2021; as she did everything in life…on her and God’s terms. To the very end, she was the spicy, determined, kind and loving force to be reckoned with that made you smile all the way to your heart.

“Neat,” as she was affectionately known, graduated from Boylan Haven Mather Academy, a prestigious boarding school in Camden, South Carolina in 1954; where she served as a cheerleader, member of various clubs and senior attendant to Miss Mather. She continued her studies at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology. While at Hampton, she served as a cheerleader, senior attendant to Miss Hampton and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc., Gamma Theta Chapter. In 1984, she received a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Massachusetts.

At her best friend’s wedding, she met and fell in love with the late Al John Simmons, Sr., a basketball athlete from Harlem, New York. They were united in holy matrimony on December 23, 1961. From this union two sons were born: Al Jr. and the late Jeremy Simmons. Arneta and Al spent many joyful moments together as they enjoyed sports, travel and sharing times on their boat. Arneta and Al formed Big “A” Fuel Company in the Bronx, New York and worked countless late hours side by side with her husband for over 40 years. The business was one of the largest minority-owned heating oil companies in the New York City. Upon her husband’s passing, she become President of the business. The Business met the certification as a Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise with New York City. The business also was a The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses finalist.

Arneta’s professional experience included teaching delinquent boys in Otisville, New York. Upon relocating to Roosevelt, Long Island, she continued her teaching career as a Speech Therapist in the Roosevelt School District where she was awarded the Outstanding Employee Award for Secondary Education(Teacher of the Year) for exemplary service to students at the Annual Roosevelt Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honors and Awards Program. Throughout the school district she was known by all for her dedication, concern and generosity. Students continue to appreciate and hold Mrs. Simmons in high regard for the difference that she made in their lives.

She was a ‘Fashion Jewelry’ enthusiast and enjoyed demonstrating her creative skills making jewelry, decorating and sewing. She was a thoughtful, caring, sincere and loyal friend who frequently shared her creations with friends, family and students.

The Simmons Family were members of the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Roosevelt, New York where they worshipped for several decades. Arneta was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Iota Omega Chapter of Long Island. She served as Historian, MIP Presenter, Chapter Archivist, Public Relations Committee Member and Arts Panorama Committee Member. She had a loving spirit and giving heart toward all of her sorors.

Neat is preceded in death by her best friend and husband, Al Simmons, Sr., son, Jeremy Simmons, brother, June William White and parents William White and Ethel Perry.

Arneta White Simmons leaves to cherish her wonderful memories and continue her legacy: Devoted son, Al Jr.(Sharon Matthews) Simmons, loving grandchildren, Joia Marie Simmons and Miah Simmons(Markulah Boons, mother); Special Cousins, Alfred Anderson, Oakland, California; Roxanne Harris, Barbara Price, Skylar Harris, Channa Harris, Bunchie Virgo(Bill) Susanne Skipper, the Carter Family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jamesfuneralhome.com for the Simmons family.

~ The staff of James Funeral Home would like to thank you

for the honor and privilege of serving your family

and with our most sincere condolences and continued support to you. ~

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of James Funeral Home, 540 Broadway, Massapequa, New York.

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