Stephen "Black" Simmons

Stephen "Black" Simmons, 48, of Scranton, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, at Geisinger CMC.

Preceded in death by his father, Joseph Simmons, Scranton; mother, Gennie V. Oatis Simmons, Prentiss, Miss.; brother, Joseph Simmons, Prentiss; and his daughter, Kailey Simmons, Scranton.

His significant other is Theresa Mulea. Surviving are his nine children: daughter, Tijuana Swiney, Milwaukee, Wis.; daughters, Christyle and Kenzie Simmons, Scranton; sons, Paris, Kion, Jakhai, Demarco, Javon and Savion, all of Scranton; granddaughter, Kaylani and grandson, Traemyr, Scranton; brothers, Timothy Buckley, Scranton, Michael Buckley, Carbondale, and Joseph Simmons, Arizona; sisters, Donna McNair, Prentiss, Annie Buckley, Carolyn Magee and Dorothy Buckley, all of Silver Creek, Miss., Stephanie Wright, Pennsylvania, and Florence Mock, Scranton; aunts and uncles; and many nieces and nephews.

He was a very dedicated, hardworking employee of SCE Environmental, Mount Cobb, who took great pride and sincerely enjoyed the work he did, as well as his fellow crew members.

A very peaceful, patient, kind, loving and funny man, he instantly was liked and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his profound impact and legacy will live on eternally, through each and every one of them.

Thought of as the "neighborhood's pop," Stephen's door was open to all and he had a special ability to make all who entered feel welcome; lending a kind ear to listen, a strong gentle shoulder to cry on and always leaving you feeling better than when you arrived by the honest heartfelt words of wisdom and life advice he had to share. Looked up to by many, he became a hero mentor, father figure and true friend to most all whose lives he touched and to those closest to him, he was fondly thought of as "our king" and the glue that held us all together.

He was an exceptional father to his nine children and was happiest spending time with them and his grandchildren. And also, while swimming tirelessly for hours in the ocean. He had a vast appreciation for music of all genres, loved singing and was an excellent dancer. He enjoyed drawing and was a great cook.

Any time you saw him, he undoubtedly was wearing his Ray-Ban sunglasses and never failed to be the most fashionably dressed in the room, and although he took longer than most women to get ready, it was always worth the wait when he finally arrived. He was one of a kind and will be dearly missed by all. We will cherish and preserve his memory in our hearts, until we meet again.

Friends may call Saturday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a service to follow at the Thomas Hughes Funeral Home, St. Ann's Street, Scranton. And a celebration of Stephen's life will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cloud Hookah Lounge, 1011 Pittston Ave., Scranton. Please feel free to join us. As always, the door will be open and all are welcome.