Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons’ granddaughter talked with BuzzFeed News about the outpouring of love her family has received since the massacre at Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church.
Image courtesy of Simmons family
Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons Sr. was passionate about four things: his family, his church, the city of Charleston, and the Carolina Panthers.
His granddaughter, Alana Simmons, told BuzzFeed News that, like many proud parents and grandparents, Rev. Simmons adorned his living room with an array of family photos, a visual timeline of portraits and special occasions that greeted everyone who entered.
But situated on the same wall is a visual homage to a famed quarterback who bears no relation to him: Cam Newtown of the Carolina Panthers.
"He really liked the Carolina Panthers," Alana said. "In his living room, he has this collage of Cam Newton photos sitting right next to the family ones," as if Newtown were one of his own.
Simmons was among nine people killed when a gunman opened fire inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 17. After the shooting, Simmons was rushed to the hospital and later died in surgery.
The reverend's passion for the North Carolina–based football team, however fiery, was a spark compared to his dedication to serving his church as a member of its ministerial staff. Although he had retired as a pastor, he often traveled to other churches to serve as a guest minister, Alana said.
Religious leadership is something of a legacy in the Simmons family. The reverend's father and grandfather were both pastors, though not at Emanuel AME.
"He was raised to serve the church," Alana said.
Although not a hometown boy, Simmons also held an ebullient passion for Charleston. Alana recalled being taken on a grand tour of the city two years ago by her grandfather, who paused for every opportunity to explain landmarks and other historically significant buildings — including the Emanuel AME Church, which has seen everything from slave rebellions and speeches from Martin Luther King Jr.
"That's when I found out how much he loved Charleston," Alana said.
Alana, who lives in Newport News, Virginia, said her grandfather was also a champion for education, proudly attending the graduation ceremonies for his children and grandchildren.
Rev. Simmons poses with his son Daniel Simmons Jr. after his graduation ceremony in May 2014.
Image courtesy of the Simmons family
The 25-year-old middle school music teacher and real estate agent learned about the shooting at her grandfather's church the same day she taught her last class before summer vacation.
"He attended Bible study every week, and sometimes led it when the Senator wasn't there," Alana said, referring to Sen. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, another victim of the shooting. "That's how we knew he was there."
Simmons' family tried to phone him repeatedly that night. With each unanswered call, their collective worry escalated. Alana joined her family in prayer.
After receiving limited information from the police or nearby hospitals about the whereabouts of his father, Daniel Simmons Jr., who also lives in Virginia, drove down to Charleston around 2:30 a.m., Alana said.
The following morning, Alana got the call from her father that Rev. Simmons had died.
from BuzzFeed - USNews http://ift.tt/1IqM1uq
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