The Life & Legacy of Henry Lee Simmons, Jr.

"None of us lives for himself (for his own benefit, but for the Lord), and none of us dies for himself (but for the Lord). If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord.  So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:7-8 (AMP)

A time to be born…..

In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the sun rose for Henry Lee Simmons, Jr. on May 12, 1951 to Henry L. Simmons, Sr. and Essie Mae Holman Simmons.  Henry's childhood was blessed with a loving and Godly home where he was nurtured.

A time to build…..

Henry, also known as "June", attended the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools where he graduated from Parkland High School in 1971.  He loved playing football and was a member of the Parkland High School varsity football team.  He also loved playing other sports with friends from the neighborhood.  After graduation, June worked for the City of Winston-Salem for many years. Henry had many talents and skills.  He was an excellent painter and organizer, and he love to work outdoors.

A time to serve…..

At an early age, Henry, Jr. became a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, attended Sunday School, BTU, and Vacation Bible School. In his later years, Henry returned to the church as a doorkeeper as he Ushered us into the house of the Lord.

A time to die….

Henry lived a full and fun-filled life with family and friends.  On Monday, December 5, 2022, God called him home suddenly. Although we did not expect June to leave us so soon, God knew that he had finished his course, he had run his race and it was time for him to come home.

A time to love….

He was preceded in death by one son, LeVonne "LeeJay" Lester; and his parents, Henry and Essie Simmons. Henry was loved deeply by his family.  Henry Junior leaves to cherish his memories his son, JaHen Marlin of Winston-Salem, NC; daughter, LeVunya Marlin of Winston-Salem, NC; brother, Carl Simmons of Winston-Salem, NC; sister, Deborah S. Smith of Kernersville, NC; four grandchildren, Sylena Lester, Levonne Lester, Jr. JaHen Razir Marlin, Jr., and Julius Ray Milton, Jr.; five nephews, Chris (Artanzia) Acker of Charlotte, NC, Reginald (Donna) Torrence, Chad (Lakisha) Simmons, Casey Simmons all of Winston-Salem, NC and Joshua Smith of Chicago, IL; one devoted niece, Tanya Ford of Winston-Salem, NC; and a host of loving relatives and friends.

A time for peace…..

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.: Colossians 3:15

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church.