Sis. Arleen Simmons
Living her best life each day is the spiritual goal of Sis. Arleen Simmons. "The gift of life is a precious thing," Sis. Simmons said. "I feel God has a plan for each one of us." She turns to Romans 6:23 for her daily guidance.
She joined St. Matthew A.M.E. in 1997. Sis. Simmons, 86, a retired registered nurse who lives in West Orange with her husband, Robert, was drawn to St. Matthew when Rev. Dr. Shirley Roberts was being inducted into the ministry and under the direction of Bishop Reginald T. Jackson. She was also impressed with work the church was doing in the community.
Their son, Christopher, who is mentally challenged and has some physical limitations, lives with them. Their other son, Mark, lives in Maryland. Sis. Simmons and her husband will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in August.
She said they are trying to set up a trust for their son. "All people need counseling when they have a child that is challenged so they are prepared (for whatever may happen)."
Sis. Simmons said she has been studying the book of Revelation this year. "And when you think about life and time, I'm nearing the end of my life. I think God has promised us eternal life. We try to live a better life so we will be accepted (into heaven)," she said.
Over the years, she has been a stewardess, helped serve on communion Sundays, worked with the missionaries, the Black History committee, Sunday School and the Orators, a group that taught children how to do public speaking.
"Being involved in organizations enriches your church life."
Outside of church, Sis. Simmons enjoys reading and is a member of a West Orange book club. She reads the New York Times and clips articles "showing things unique to life." She also enjoys scrapbooking and studying Genealogy.
She worked for the Veterans Administration with a focus on infectious diseases. She has also served as an advocate for patients at a nursing home.
Sis. Simmons said she now walks with a cane. "I have found how kind people are from all walks of life, not just Black people but people everywhere. I am somewhat surprised by all of that; people wanting to help and offering to help."
Sis. Simmons believes St. Matthew has wonderful and dynamic leaders. "During COVID, our church continued on. We kept going even on Zoom," she said. "We are a community of believers worshipping together. We aim to grow as Christians. We have to keep studying and grow so we become better Christians."
By Sandra Long Weaver