| Graduation Year | Class of 2019 |
| Date of Birth | Apr 28, 2000 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 28, 2021 |
| About | Aniya Devonne Simmons, 20, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Aniya was born April 28, 2000 in Norfolk, VA. She was employed by Tucanos Brazilian Grill in Newport News, VA as a Meat Server. She was also a Disc Jockey in her own right, known as "DJ Skittlez." She was compassionate, vibrant, loving, fun, family-oriented, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She was the life of the party; always wearing her beautiful smile, and sharing her most infectious laugh. Aniya was a sophomore at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA majoring in Mass Communications. While attending, she became a member of the Student Government Association (SGA), National Society of Leadership and Success, and was on the Dean's List for the School of Liberal Arts. Aniya was well liked, and a born leader. She was voted Homecoming Queen at Indian River High School in Chesapeake, VA, where she graduated in 2019. She was very active in the Braves' community. Aniya has also been recognized as a Scholar-Athlete by the City of Chesapeake. As a percussionist in the Indian River Marching Band, Aniya served as Bass Drum Captain. As an athlete, she won 1st place (shot put) and 2nd place (discus) in the 5A region for outdoor track, 7th (discus) and 17th (shot put) in the State for outdoor track. Aniya was a member of the Forensics team, and was a cast member of "Every 15 minutes"; a video presentation about the dangers of drunk driving. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of AVID, and captain of Gamma Kappa Omega. She headed numerous events to support and include special needs students while at Indian River. A member of Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA, she served in several ministries; including the youth choir and usher board. She was an assistant in Youth Church, often helping children ages 5 and under with their lessons and activities. She also volunteered in GMZBC Food giveaways, and provided music for Trunk or Treat. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Willie and Vernice Rodgers and aunt, Thelma "Larvet" Harris. Aniya leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, her grandmother, Mary L. Simmons and grandfather, William H. Simmons, her father, Corey D. Rodgers, Sr. (Latisha), her mother, Keema D. Simmons; sisters, Akira V. Simmons and Jasmine Grevious-Drewrey, brothers, Corey D. Rodgers, Jr. and Aiden G. Adams, uncles, Raynard Simmons of Richmond, VA, Shelton Moore (Maxine) of Lawton, OK, Travell "Moe" Moore and Ricky Rodgers, aunts, Kim Love and Tomeka Nixon, cousins, Antoine Simmons of Winston-Salem, NC, Travon Wilson (Julia), Shelton Moore, Jr. of Lawton, OK, Michael Nixon, Josiah Nixon, Ryan Rodgers (Tasha), Anthony Rodgers, Jayla Rodgers, Ashley Harris, Elliot "EJ" Harris and Sabastian "Bash" Townes, village supporters, Coach Shawn Vaughan, Coach Winfield Edwards, Robin "Mama" Hines, Daryll Johnson, Lorenzo Smith, Shanita Lowery, Kimberly Daniels, Amanda Moore and a host of friends from Indian River High School, Norfolk State University and Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Bethany Baptist Church in Chesapeake, VA at 11:00am. Burial will be at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Public Viewing will be Friday, March 12, 2021, 2:00pm to 6:00pm at Metropolitan Funeral Service (Berkley Chapel), 120 West Berkley Avenue in Norfolk. |
