Roberta S. Simmons

Roberta “Bert” Sanders Simmons was born on April 4,1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Janie Sanders and Roosevelt Sanders, Sr. She peacefully entered eternal rest on January 17, 2026. Roberta was preceded in death by Essie Sanders, Harry Lee Simmons, Sr., Janie Hill Tonkins, Hughes Alford, Dr. Gloria Alford Norton, Roosevelt Sanders, Jr., Wanzell T. Alford, and Maurice L. Alford.

The family bonded through music, forming the gospel group The Alford Singers, founded by their mother. Roberta sang first alto alongside her siblings, with their father and brother on guitar, and Friday night rehearsals became a cherished family tradition. She and her sister, Jo, were later selected as background singers for Gloria Thomas, a singer in the late 1960s.

On August 14, 1965, she married the late Harry Lee Simmons, Sr., and together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Dawn and Julius. She traveled the world with her Army husband, living in places such as Germany, Paris, Ft. Dix, Fort Lee, and many other destinations.

Throughout her years, Roberta, lived a life rooted in faith, service, love, resilience, and she touched the lives of all who knew her. A woman of faith, Roberta was a devoted member of True Victory Deliverance Tabernacle in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she found spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and a church family she deeply cherished. She served as the director of the youth ministry and was instrumental in creating uplifting experiences for the church youth, including organizing a prom in their honor.

In 1997, Roberta pursued her academic dream of acquiring a degree. What initially began as taking a single course to learn how to operate a computer as a gift from her children, evolved into successfully completing the requirements for two Associate of Science degrees in 2003; Micro Computer Applications and Computer Programming from Reynolds Community College. She also was on the Dean’s List in spring 2000 and served as student government vice president for two years. Convinced by a friend to continue her educational goals, in 2007, Roberta was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational and technical studies (adult education) from Old Dominion University. She continued her studies for a Master’s degree at Virginia Tech University in 2008.

Roberta was an excellent cook and found great joy in bowling and other games. She was gifted with her hands—creating clothing, doll designs, wedding attire, crochet pieces, hats, and home décor. Adventurous and full of life, Roberta embraced every moment with joy, creativity, and a spirit that touched everyone around her. Roberta served the Charnwood Forest Senior Housing Tenants Association as president for more than fifteen years, leading with resilience, strong convictions, and an unwavering commitment to what was right. During her leadership, Roberta actively advocated for residents by engaging local leadership, including the Fifth District councilman, to attend association meetings and address ongoing concerns. Through her initiative and a petition, she generated as president, critical maintenance and building issues in apartments and surrounding buildings were successfully corrected. Roberta also worked tirelessly to support the community beyond governance. She helped organize fundraising efforts, including assisting seniors facing challenges. Her leadership, compassion, and dedication left a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed.

She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Dawn Chandler (Nick); son, Julius Simmons, Jr. (Chanda); along with grandchildren, Victoria, Nick Jr., Demontrae, and Jasmine; great-grandchildren, Saniah, Juliana, Kayden, and Noah; siblings, Jo Sanders Aaron, and Derrick Lenny Alford (Angela); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her love, lessons, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.