Frances E. Simkins Was Island Summer Resident

On Thursday, June 9, a memorial service was held in honor of Frances E. Simkins, who died Oct. 15, 2004, in Ocoee, Fla.

In attendance were her children, Robin Gear-Ureña of Orlando, Fla., and Phillip E. Gear of Cave Creek, Ariz., accompanied by their spouses, Manny Ureña and Roberta Gear. Ms. Simkins's grandchildren were also present: Evan Ureña, Sydney Gear, Linnea Gear, Bailey Gear and Simon Ureña. At their mother's request, the family laid her ashes to rest in the waters of her beloved Martha's Vineyard.

Ms. Simkins owned a home on the Vineyard for several years and enjoyed the Island during the summer and in occasional off-season visits. Her and her children's love of the Island led to her wish for her family to meet, pay homage and lay her ashes to rest here.

Born in Orangeburg, S.C., Ms. Simkins was graduated from South Carolina State University and later worked as a teacher in the Newark School District in New Jersey. She was a strong believer and a contributor to justice and human rights. She was a life member and a golden heritage member of the NAACP; a monthly financial supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center since 1973; a strong supporter of the Newark Museum and a volunteer docent for more than 10 years.

Ms. Simkins was also a life member of National Education and the New Jersey Education Associations; a founding member of the Friends of the Newark Community School of the Arts; and a member of North Jersey Chapter of Links, Inc., North Jersey Chapter Smart Set and Twelve and One Bridge Club.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala.; to the Newark Museum toward the purchase of a painting by Edward M. Bannister, a 19th-century landscape artist; or to the United Negro College Fund.