Obituary of Joretha Simmons

Joretha Simmons known to many as "Jo", "Mamma Jo" and "Jo Baby", was born on September 10,1952 in Laurinburg, NC to Mable and Fairly Jay McLaurin. She exchanged this life for a better one in Heaven on April 2, 2020. She moved to Paterson,New Jersey when she was young and attended School #4 and later graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. She began working as a Medical assistant and shortly after met and married Frank Simmons in 1973. From that union she gave birth to four children, Tomeka, Nakia, Myah and Franklin. She resigned from her job in order to devote her time and energy into raising and nurturing her children. After all her children were in school, she returned to the work force acquiring a position at BonWitt and Taylor, where she worked for several years until the company closed it's doors. She then went back to school obtaining a certification in business, and shortly after, was hired to work for the NJ Department of Labor as an Unemployment Insurance Clerk. She devoted 23 years to the company before retiring in 2012, while there, many great friendships with colleagues began to develop, flourishing into an extended part of her family. She was an active member of the New Life Evangelistic Church in Paterson,NJ under the leadership of Bishop Carswell Jackson and First Lady Laura Jackson, where she held the title and was called "Mother" of the church. She served faithfully and her devotion to God was evident in the life she lived. She always had a listening ear, a praying heart and a leaning shoulder for anyone who was in need. She always had a smile on her face and encouraging words of comfort. She was an excellent cook, wonderful wife, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend and most of all an amazing mother. She taught us about God and the importance of having a relationship with Him, showing us how to be faithful servants and always putting Him first in our lives. She taught us how to pray, how to love, how to respect others and how to fight, never giving up. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Mable and Fairly Jay McLaurin, brother Willie Gillespie, brother-in-law Melvin Gregory, granddaughter Jurnee Simmons, Husband Frank Simmons, sister Yvonne Gregory and niece Dawn Gregory. She leaves to celebrate her life, sisters Carrie Norman and Betty McDowell, her aunt Cora Lee Bethea, Sister-in-law Patricia Gillespie and two brother-in-laws, Calloway Simmons and Steve McDowell. Her children, Tomeka, Nakia, Myah and Franklin Simmons Her grandchildren, Janashia, Larry, Alexis, Christian and Christina, Jayla, Darius, Xavier, Isaiah, Jasmine, A'Shana, Troy Reid Jr.(TJ) and Riley. Great-grandchildren, Jayda, Tahylor, Peytton, Josiah, London, Jayceon and Chase. And one son-in-law Troy Reid. She also leaves to cherish her beloved nieces and nephews(1st, 2nd and 3rd generations), beloved host of cousins, her "adopted" children whom she took care of and loved deeply as her own, as well as many many extended family and friends. The family would like to take this time to thank everyone for their love, encouragement and prayers. And for caring and supporting our mom throughout her life. Our mom truly loved each and every one of you deeply. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4