Golena Simmons

Golena Simmons, daughter of the late Mellie Carn and Reverend George Whack Sr, was born on September 4, 1939, in Harleyville, SC.  She was the fourth child of six children. Golena was educated in the Dorchester County Public School System in SC, where she met the late Clyde Benjamin Simmons. On December 10th, 1958, they were united in holy matrimony. Their union was blessed with two children: daughter Belinda and son Erich Sherrard Simmons

After graduating from high school, Golena and her family packed up and moved to Coral Gables, Florida for a short period of time. Not keen on the persistent heat, the family soon thereafter relocated to Corona, New York.

Golena was employed for several years as a cashier and store manager in a local grocery store. The last employment she exercised before her retirement was as a Teacher's Assistant for preschool aged children in Queens, NY.  Although the job was very demanding, she enjoyed working with the youngsters, especially having fun with arts and crafts.

Golena was a sports enthusiast.  This reflects back to her earlier years when she played basketball. She loved to watch most team sports. For decades she enjoyed participating in league bowling and tournaments around the tri-state area. She was showered with numerous awards and trophies as a result of her high scores and professionalism. She also enjoyed music. She was a member of a singing trio. They went on the road with a rhythm and blues repertoire. Another pastime would be to relax by planting flowers and gardening in her backyard. That gave her a great sense of pride, accomplishment, and enormous pleasure. Those who knew her could tell you that she had a great sense of humor and wit. Spreading laughter with friends and relatives near and far. She often would keep you on the telephone for hours reciting antidotes in her unique and special way.

Regretfully, on January 16, 2023, while at a local hospital in Queens, NY, Golena peacefully departed this earthly life and joined the ancestral ranks of her parents, her husband, two sisters: Pansy Lee Boyd and Laura Bell Moorer, and one brother George Whack.  She now leaves to cherish fond memories, two children: Belinda Simmons-Rosier and Erich Sherrard Simmons; two sisters: Ella Rhett Whack and Fayetta Washington; daughter-in law Rhonda Simmons; grandson Kyle Simmons and his half-sister and brother Jenne and Jared and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Golena has undoubtedly made an impact in the hearts of those she touched; she will be missed immensely.

Lovingly Submitted by

The Family