Ella Louise McAllister-Simmons was called from labor to reward on Thursday, July 3, 2003, at Obici Hospital.

She was born on Oct. 10, 1934 in Princess Ann County, Virginia Beach to the late Columbus Sr. and Ida Lee Roberts. She was educated in the Princess Anne County, Virginia Beach Schools. She furthered her career as a licensed CNA and was employed at Lynn Shore Manor until she retired in 1980.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, niece and friend. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Charlie F. Simmons; her children, Michelle D. Jones (Jeffery) of Suffolk; Sharon A McAllister of Virginia Beach and Colden McAllister (LaVern) of Laurel, MD; stepchildren, Paul Simons of Suffolk and Frances Simmons of Portsmouth; grandchildren, Denise Jones, Norman McAllister (&uot;JR&uot;), Justin McAllister, Lenora Simmons, Kenesha Simmons, Latoria Blowe and Charles Blowe.

Her nine siblings affectionately called Ella &uot;Sister.&uot; She leaves four sisters and five brothers: Catherine Smith, Barbara Miller, Ida Mae Armstead (Larry) and Mary Smith, all of whom reside in Virginia Beach; brothers, Herbert Roberts of Norfolk; Joshua Roberts (Gracie) of Boston, Mass.; and Cornelius Roberts and Eddie Roberts (Dinah) of Virginia Beach.

She was predeceased by a brother, Columbus Roberts Jr.,

Other relatives include a sister-in-law, Lillie Mae Simmons; three aunts, Bertha Knight and Louise Roberts of Virginia Beach and Elizabeth Brown of Washington, D.C.; and one uncle, Herbert Gatlin of Norfolk. Ella leaves many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends that will miss her dearly.

She leaves a legacy of loving kindness, laughter, care and concern for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all that were touched by her life.

Family will be receiving friends at 405 Wilkie Ct., Suffolk. A wake will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 East Washington St. Homegoing services will be held at 11 a.m.

Wednesday July 9, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 4481 Butler Dr., Suffolk, by the Rev. George L. Smith, pastor.

Interment will be held in Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake.