Jan E. Simmons

1949 - 2021

Simmons, Jan E.
Jan Elizabeth Simmons, 71, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Jan was born in New Haven, CT, on August 17, 1949 to the late Elizabeth ("Betty") Myrtle Love Simmons Cardoza and Samuel Morris Simmons. She leaves behind her son, Sean LaMar Greene, who was her heart, and his father Willie James Green; her siblings, Stephanie Alice Fisher (Alfred –deceased), Susan Frances "Cookie" Simmons, and Wayne Morrison "Doc" Simmons Sr. (Clara); her nieces and nephews; her goddaughter and namesake Jan Lewis; and an abundance of extended family and friends. After graduating from Wilbur R. Cross High School, Jan attended Connecticut College for Women and later, Southern Connecticut State University. In 1977, she joined the staff at the Internal Revenue Service where she served for over thirty years before retiring. Starting in 1991, she concurrently worked at the New Haven Register and after over twenty years of service, she retired from there as well. She was a lifetime member of Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ. For the last nine years, she served as the church's administrative assistant and served on the Finance Board. She was an avid reader of fiction, poetry, Black history, politics and current affairs. She loved butterflies, dancing, listening to music, swimming, and collecting dolls. She was a member of the St. Luke's Steel Band, PANatics, and the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Quilting Circle. Over the years, she volunteered with many organizations including: the West River Neighborhood Association, the Antillean Friendly Association, the Trinbago American Association, New Haven Reads, Literacy Volunteers of America, Yale New Haven Hospital, and the Dixwell Newhallville Senior Club. She also served as a Fair Rent Commissioner. Jan had a captivating smile, and her laughter was infectious. She was fiercely committed to taking care of people and had a remarkable capacity to give. Those who knew her well, knew that she had a quiet unshakable strength, and that her heart was big—she was always willing to help others.
A Walk-Thru visitation will be held on Monday, May 03, 2021 from 9:00- 11:00AM at Dixwell Avenue Congregational UCC, 217 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511. Celebration of life will be private; interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven, CT. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services. To leave a message of comfort for the Simmons family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.