Melissa Nicole Simmons, “Missy” as she was fondly called by family and friends, entered this world on July 15, 1966, in Elizabeth, NJ. She was born to Mary Lee Simmons and Douglas McDaniels Jr. Missy spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ but also enjoyed traveling with her grandparents to the Low Country of South Carolina to spend quality time. Although she had an adventurous journey being educated in the Elizabeth Public School system; she earned her high school diploma at North Plainfield Highschool.

After high school, Missy began her journey in transportation following in her father’s footsteps which she loved and was blessed to work in for nearly four decades. Through the years she worked for Breza Bus Services, Durham School Services, Vogel Bus Company, Transdev NA and Rivers Transportation Services. Melissa loved Elizabeth but in 2017, she relocated to Early Branch, SC to be close to her mother. As she continued her new journey in SC, she resumed driving for Transdev NA and Rivers Transportation Services.

Melissa was a beautiful soul who was always there for others whenever she could be. She was fiercely loyal and dedicated to her family especially her children who she loved deeply. When you saw Missy, you were always greeted with a smile. She was interested in fashion and made a point to look good. She enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with her family. She lived her life unapologetically and fully! Later in life, what Missy cherished most was being there for her granddaughters who affectionately called her G~G.

Missy was suddenly called home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2025, at Hampton Regional Medical Center in Varnville, SC. Melissa is preceded in death by her father; Douglas McDaniels Jr. and her brother; Charles Simmons. Left treasuring fond memories, she leaves her children; daughter, Nikkita Simmons (NJ), and sons, Douglas Simmons (SC) and Kenyon Simmons (SC), her mother; Mary L. Simmons (SC), her sister; Tara Dowdell (SC), her granddaughters; Damarie Carrasco (NJ) and Sina Simmons (SC), her nieces; Kayla Graham (NJ), Kirsten Simmons (MI), Kendal Anderson (SC), and Oannya Carmona (SC), her God-sister; Latanya Williams (SC), and a host of aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. "The song is ended, but the melody lingers on." - Irving Berlin

A Memorial & Balloon Release will be held on: Saturday, May 31, 2025 @ 10:00 A.M.

Warinanco Turf Field
718 Elm St, Roselle, NJ 07203

On behalf of this family, we solicit all prayers of consolation and well wishes, as the family journeys through this difficult time.