Rena C. Simms

Rena would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call on August 15, 2015 at 10:52 am. It was an offer she couldn’t refuse, for an eternal appointment. This assignment comes with a huge bonus; a reunion with family and friends she has not seen in a long time, an upgrade to a Mansion and streets paved with Gold. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, dancing, gardening and reading to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed and pain will be no more. The food is delicious and she will never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her children, family and friends to celebrate her life, which has now been completed. Rena was born on May 20, 1940 in Severn, Maryland to the late Irving Milton and Helen Catherine Eldridge. She was the 6th of 12 children but that didn’t stop her from forging her own identity. She became Ms. Independent, as well as the center of attention, which by the way, she loved. The word was that when Rena spoke, everyone listened. Rena attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools including Harman’s Elementary and Wiley H. Bates High School. Rena attended Howard Community College for Journalism and she graduated from Springfield Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed for over 40 years as a Nurse specializing in Pediatrics. On December 12, 1959, Rena married the late Luther Simms and that union was blessed with four children; Robin Simms, Terry (Michelle) Simms, Rosalind (Gregory) Draft, Shelly (Walter) Moore. Rena loved her children very much, and if they called, she would always answer even in sickness, but the true loves of her life were her four grandchildren Kiona, Terry Jr. Jamar, and Naykeyta. She spent endless time with them speaking into their lives, going to museums, taking trips and making sure that all their needs were met. Rena was an ordained Minister and early in life she acknowledged her true passion, which was to give and serve others. Rena’s generosity was known throughout the area. Rena would give anyone the shoes off her feet, food from her table and money from her pocket. She was a Mentor for Breast Cancer survivors at the University of Maryland Cancer Center and owned an Assisted Living facility called Rena’s Place that served the Elderly and Veterans. She leave this earth to join her siblings in death ; Irving , Clarence, Brenda and Fern Ann. She leaves to cherish her memory, (Four) devoted children Robin, Terry, Rosalind and Shelly, ( One) special daughter, Tiffany Marshburn, (One) daughter in-law, Michelle, (Two) sons-in-law Gregory and Walter, (Four) grand-children, Kiona Mottley, Terry Simms Jr., Jamar Phillips (Tonya), and Naykeyta Moore; (Four) great grand-children, Ashlynn, Shayla, Mikayla and Chloe; (One) brother, Frank Eldridge, (Five) sisters, Ella Long, Ruth Gaynor, Mamie Jackson, Barbara Anderson, and Marguerite McCoy, (Three) sisters-in-law, Helen Eldridge, Lillian Eldridge, and Sarah Eldridge, (One ) brother-in-law Alexander McCoy , (One ) uncle, Reverend Seawood Blackstone (One) special employer and friend Brian McFarland and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and associates Rena did a great job with the time she was given and we wish her a safe journey. We will remember her smile, her warmth, her energy, her love for life, family; friends; colleagues; and clients She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She made a difference in the lives of many and we will truly miss her. Thank you for being a part of our lives Rena.

Tributes

Rena C. Simms

May 20, 1940 - August 15, 2015