Christina Ann Simmons Obituary (1958

Christina Ann Simmons, 63, was called home to eternal rest on Monday March 14, 2022 after battling a lengthy illness. She was born Christina Ann Martin on May 28, 1958 to the late Ashton P. Martin and Mahalia O. Martin. She was the youngest of seven children. She attended Mt. Zion AME Church with her mother and grandparents under the late Bishop Rudolph Coleman and gave her life to Christ at an early age. Christina received her education at Capital School District and graduated from high school in 1976. After graduation she pursued her education and Delaware State College. Most people do not know that she pursued education in speaking another language and at one point and time was fluent in both Spanish and Sign Language. While attending college, she met the love of her life, Robert J. Caldwell; they were married and stayed married until his death. Out of this union, her four girls were born; whom she loved dearly. Christina began her work career at Westminister Village Nursing Home where she retired after 26 years. She was so well-known at Westminister that two of her girls also worked there. She also played on the nursing homes volleyball team. Growing up, she was affectionately known as “Gabby” because she talked so much; which you would have never known because of her calm and quiet demeanor. Christina and her family joined First Pilgrim Baptist Church in 1989, under the leadership of Bishop Doreina C. Miles. Although she grew up at Mt. Zion with her mother and grandmother, she decided to get baptized as an adult after joining First Pilgrim. She remained a member of First Pilgrim Baptist Church until her death. As a member, Christina sang on the choir, was a member of the usher board, intercessory prayer ministry, missionary ministry and lastly a part of the church’s mother board. After her husband’s death, she met and married Elijah Simmons of South Carolina. They remained married until her death. She became a bonus mom to his then, three young children: Frank, Lamont and Sharica Simmons. Being a blended family, she also developed close relationships with his adult children as well. Christina loved playing spades and solitaire, even teaching her grandchildren how to play. Christina loved good food and while at home battling her illness, listened to gospel music every day. She believed in the power of prayer and would anoint herself at any given minute. There is no doubt that she is resting in the arms of Jesus. She is preceded in death by her parents: Ashton P Martin and Mahalia Martin, two brothers: Eric Martin and Ashton Martin, one sister: Elvira “Peaches” Baker, and one grandchild: Gabriella Lynn Stevens. Christina leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Elijah Simmons; four daughters, Keyza Turner of Baltimore, MD, Tomecka Caldwell of Ohio, Latoshia Caldwell and Altamese Stevens (Christina’s Caretaker) both of Dover, DE; Five Grandchildren, Morgan Stevens, Kayla Turner, Kameron Turner, Nazmir Bailey and Tytis Weaver; two sisters, Lucretia Martin and Edith Martin both of Dover, DE, additionally she leaves behind several other children who fondly called her “Mom-Mom”- Alil Clemente, Nashere Edwards, Brynea Pierce, Amari Stanley and Jeremiah Freeman. Christina also leaves behind, eight bonus children, Eliza Simmons, Lorraine Heyward (Lamont), Annette Jefferson, Phonso Simmons, Sharica Simmons, Lamond Simmons, Frank Simmons, Elijah Simmons (Deceased) and 23 bonus grandchildren, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, extended family and church family.