I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. My reward is the Crown of Righteousness.

Asalee Simmons fought the battle, and the victory is hers. As her family stood beside her during her transition, there was a spirit of calmness; an unspoken expression that said, "I have won, now let me go."

Asalee, the daughter of the late Andrew, Sr., and Alfair Green Sanders, was born on November 5, 1933. She transitioned from her earthly home on September 13, 2022. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Simmons, her parents, Alfair and Andrew Sanders, Sr., and four siblings: Victoria Powell, Bertha Reid, Andrew Sanders, Jr., and Deric Sanders.

Upon graduating from Charleston County Schools, she relocated to Brooklyn, New York. Asalee and Arthur Simmons, her South Carolina home friend, developed a loving relationship that led to a union of marriage on September 29,1956. The couple relocated to New Jersey, where she worked in the school system. This marriage was blessed with two daughters: Evangeline and Pamela.

Asalee's illnesses brought her many challenges. She was blessed with a strong spiritual upbringing and faced those challenges believing in the Almighty Heavenly Father. At an early age she became a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church. While residing in New Jersey, she worshiped at Saint Mark United Methodist Church. When she returned home, she reunited with her home church, Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. There she served as an usher until her health declined.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her children, Evangeline Simmons Ward (Samuel) and Pamela Simmons; stepdaughter, Joyce Broughton; grandchildren, Derrick Simmons, Shulonda Powell, Eric Simmons and Jada Simmons; great-grandchildren, Markell, Leilani, Kannon, De'Zayvionah and Xavier; siblings, Ida Bacote (Carl), Carolyn Smalls, Bernett Sanders, Marjorie Williams, Frances Pinckney (Richard), William Sanders, Bobby Sanders, and Floyd Sanders (Sandra); nephew and niece reared by her parents, Harold Saunders (Joyce) and Cheryl Sampson (Bernard); sisters-in-law, Christina Winns, Elizabeth Simmons, Mattie Simmons, Bessie Simmons, and Olivia Simmons; a host of other relatives and friends, and a very special friend, Lorraine Simmons. Asalee and Lorraine journeyed together to New York, New Jersey, and returned home to South Carolina. She will also be remembered by her former son-in-law, Lonnie Powell

A Home Going Celebration Service will be held Monday, September 19, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 789 South Santee Road, McClellanville, SC. Viewing will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. Face masks are required. Interment will be in Old Board Cemetery.