Obituary of Delores McCray Simmons

Delores McCray Simmons was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 18th, 1941 to Wilhelmina McCray and raised on Johns Island, South Carolina.

She was the sister of Issac Waites (Frances), John Waites, Paul Waites, Steven McCray, Philip McCray, Richard McCray, Elizabeth McCray and Julius McCray (Her brothers John, Paul, Issac, Richard, Phillip, and Julius preceded her in death).

She was married to Elmore Manigault Simmons, Sr. and was the beloved mother of Denise Jackson, Vera Simmons, Elmore Simmons, Jr. Sheila Simmons, Deborah Simmons, Sharon Millner and Cheryl Simmons (Her daughters, Cheryl and Vera, preceded her in death).  Delores was a doting grandmother to five granddaughters and five grandsons and a great-grandmother to four great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons.

She began her career in retail in Springfield, Massachusetts, working at Steiger’s Department Store. She became a lifelong resident of Carver, Massachusetts, and continued working in retail stores Grants and Rich's, where she rose from Cashier to Department Manager to Retail Manager. She traveled throughout New England to oversee various stores. She finished her retail career at Walmart.

She had an active social life, which included playing Bingo and Pokeno with her friends and neighbors. Delores joined St. John’s Club and was later elected and served as President. 

She loved sewing school clothes and holiday costumes for her children. She even made outfits for herself to wear to work the next day! As a wonderful cook who loved feeding her family, friends and others, Delores was like a culinary ambassador from the South, introducing dishes to her New England neighbors and guests who were lucky enough to sample her Gullah delights.

Delores was so gracious, so kind, a luminous, extraordinarily beautiful woman that radiated from within. She had sparkling, captivating eyes, a dazzling smile and the most gorgeous set of cheekbones set on a perfect face. She was always well-coiffed, well dressed and refined.

She was loved by her co-workers, longtime friends and neighbors and chair-mates. She will be missed.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 27th, at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Carver, MA 02330 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 130 Main St, Carver, MA 02330on Wednesday, June 28th at 10:30 AM.

Graveside service were held at St. James Cemetery on Johns Island, SC on Saturday, July 1st at 11:00 am.