Obituary of Rubie Lee Simmons

Rubie Lee (Burney) Simmons passed away unexpectedly and peacefully with her family by her side on May 25, 2023 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey.

Rubie, the oldest daughter of the late Odell Burney and Bessie Hardy Burney Williams, was born in Grifton, North Carolina on September 10, 1938.

She was baptized at an early age at Grifton Chapel Church of Christ Disciples of Christ. Rubie attended the public schools of Grifton and graduated from Savannah High School.

In the 1950’s, after marriage on April 29, 1957 to Dalton Simmons, they migrated to New Jersey.

Rubie and Dalton were residents of Morristown, New Jersey prior to moving to Plainfield, New Jersey in 1969. While residing in Morristown, she was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. In 1984, she joined St. John’s Baptist Church of Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

After her youngest child started elementary school, she began part-time employment with the Plainfield Board of Education as a Teacher Assistant. She retired from the school system in 2010 after 34 years of service.

Rubie is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Dalton Simmons; children, Dorita Brokenbough, Darrin Simmons and Darice Dixon (Jerome); grandchildren; Jason Brokenbough and Kristin Brokenbough; brother, Clarence Burney (Ruth); sisters, Doris Hooker and Linda Dixon and brother in law, Clarence Williams.

Rubie was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Johnnie Burney and his wife, Rosa; sister, Delois Aulton and two brothers in law, Wilton Hooker and Joseph Dixon.

The visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 beginning at 10am followed by an 11am funeral service at St. John’s Baptist Church, 2387 Morse Ave. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.

Immediately following the funeral service, Rubie will be entombed in the Pond View Mausoleum at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield, New Jersey.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.