Obituary of Margaret Virginia Lett

Margaret (Parker-Simmons) Lett was born to Bertha Parker and Nathan Simmons III in Tunnel Springs, AL on August 12, 1940. Margaret was raised and loved by her great-uncle Linwood Simmons and his wife, Annie Lee Richardson-Simmons along with their children Jerry Lee Simmons (deceased), Robert Eugene Simmons (deceased), and Queen Esther Simmons-Wedderburn.  Margaret also has a biological brother named Aaron Edwards.

Margaret grew in the grace and knowledge of God at Amity Missionary Baptist Church in Tunnel Springs, AL. She participated in Sunday school classes and was known for her beautiful voice. Her love for singing led her to sing in the choir at Amity church and solos at other community churches.

In her formative years, Margaret attended Rosenwald Junior High School in Tunnel Springs, AL. In 1959, Margaret graduated from Monroe County Training School (now known as JF Shields High School) in Beatrice, AL.  Throughout her academic journey, she excelled as a band majorette and at playing women’s basketball.

In 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Sumpter Lee Lett, their union led them to Bronx, NY. Later the young family, moved to New Jersey where they spent more than 50 years of their life. To Margaret and Sumpter Lee’s blessed union, five children were born: Sheila A. Olive, Sumpter L. Lett Jr. (stillborn), Deborah A. Lett, Tanya A. D. Lett and Michele Y. Lett. The couple also later expanded their family by adopting Latifa Y. Lett.

Margaret was a hard-working provider and held several positions in the Hillside, NJ Township community:  George Washington School cafeteria aide, Crossing Guard for Hillside Police Department and Animal Welfare for Code Enforcement Department.

Margaret was know for her compassion towards people especially children. She babysat and helped raise many of the children in her neighborhood. She also worked alongside her husband, who was President of the Conklin Avenue Block Association for many years. Margaret helped organize fun-filled block activities that created change and positive growth for the children in the community.

In her later years, Margaret enjoyed attending Sage Eldercare of Summit, NJ where she flourished in the arts. Margaret also loved watching her television shows “Let’s Make a Deal” and “The Price is Right”.

Margaret is predeceased in death by her husband of 62 years Sumpter (11/19/2022) biological mother, Bertha Parker, and biological father, Nathan Simmons III.  Brothers Jerry Lee Simmons and Robert Eugene Simmons.

Margaret leaves her children to cherish her memories; Sheila Lett (Olive), Debra Lett, Tanya Lett, Michele Lett and Latifa Lett.  Grandchildren, Terri Olive, Tara Olive, Jarrett Lett, Sierra Snow, Chasitity Thompson.  Great-grandchildren, Christopher Covington, Kiara Manegrum, Keyon Manegrum, Karis Manegrum, and Zaire Jones.  Plus a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

We will carry on, but our hearts will cherish all Margaret has deposited in us.

In loving memory, the family of Margaret Virginia Lett.