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Desi Rae Laing


Sunrise: October 22, 1963

Sunset: February 1, 2021
Desi Rae Simmons Laing, daughter of the late Pearlie Simmons and Manerva Williams Simmons, was born on October 22, 1963, in Portsmouth Virginia. Surround  by the love and prayers of family and friends , she departed this life on February 01, 2021 in the comfort of her home.
She was  baptized early on, at First Baptist of Taylorsville, under Pastor Stelle. Desi graduated from Cradock High School. She had a passion for hair, but found her calling in nursing, working  in several nursing facilities, she could decorate a room like nobody’s business.
Desi spent many of her adult years residing in Chesapeake , Virginia. She was a Homemaker in her later years, caring for her grandchildren. Desi was very over protective of her children; they couldn’t do any wrong in her eyes. She loved her family and friends, whenever the opportunity presented itself she would reach back into the archives of her life and tell a funny story like no one else could. She was always the “Life” of the party.
Desi loved to live her life to the fullest, she enjoyed her entertainment, “tapping on the fish tables and traveling from Virginia to North Carolina to tapp”.
Desi was preceded in death by her brothers, Del Simmons and Stafford Simmons, a sister Evette Simmons.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her husband, Milton Laing; four daughters: Shawton Simmons, Minerva Simmons, Demikke Simmons, and Jasmine Laing; three sons: Junmall Simmons, Keion Simmons, and Rakheem Laing; two sisters: Tacenda Simmons and  Sebriel Hansbury (Cleophus); one brother, Reverend P.C. Simmons; twenty grandchildren: Daquan Knight, Derrica Knight, Taequn Knight, Dontaisha Simmons, Junmall Simmons, Junmek Simmons, London Cooke, Chloe Simmons, Caiden Simmons, Jumir  Simmons, Jumari Simmons, Aaliyah Simmons, Keiontae Simmons, Tanaisha Simmons, Jazmona Simmons, Janiya Johnson, Journee Curtin, Kaniya Simmons, Amir Simmons, and Jase Anderson; three great-grandchildren: Gnarle’, Chase, and Ahtymn; one God daughter, Jahmiya; two life long friends: Mae Fortt and Shona Boyd; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces,  nephews and friends.
Viewing Thursday, February 11, 2021 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Friday, February 12, 2021 11:00am Metropolitan Funeral Service Portsmouth Chapel Interment Greenlawn Memorial Gardens 3920 Airline Boulevard Chesapeake, VA 23321 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(9)

  1. reply
    Nicol Franklin and family says

    To Donta and Family,

    Remembering her wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in your hearts. May Desi rest in peace!

  2. reply
    Vanessa George says

    So sorry to read the passing of Desi. I pray The Lord will give her family all the comfort and strength they need during this time. Just hold on to each other, your memories and God. She use to keep me laughing years ago at BP when she would come in and joke around with Joyner. Rest In Peace and her family take care of each other. God Bless.

  3. reply
    Sharyn Welch says

    Praying for the Laing Family! Hold to God’s hand during this difficult time! I love you all!!
    Sharyn Welch

  4. reply
    Sharyn Welch says

    Praying for the Laing Family! Hold to God’s hand during this difficult time! I love you all!!

  5. reply
    Ms Deborah (Charlotte NC) says

    Desi you will always be an Amazing Powerful Women who leaves a Strong Family Legacy of Great Values and Wisdom You Are Missed But NEVER FORGOTTEN It was my pleasure to have known such a Phenomenal Women❤️❤️❤️My prayer is for Comfort and Strength for the entire Family during this difficult time

  6. reply
    Koya Somerville-Holt and Family says

    Sending love , hugs and prayers of comfort to the Simmons Family.. Desi will truly be missed she was the life of the party and kept us all laughing .. Rest Well Desi..

  7. reply
    Cynthia Doran says

    Sending my love comfort and prayers to the Simmons family may God keep you all strong at this difficult time love you all end may God Bless you

  8. reply
    Cynterra says

    Lucy and Family I’m sorry for the loss of your mother I pray you all can get through the heartache. Love always

  9. reply
    Arnetta says

    I would like to extend my condolences to Ms. Desi’s family. It was soooooooooooo great to meet her!!! She had such a sweet spirit and pleasant demeanor. May God comfort and strengthen all of her loved ones and bless your souls with His peace and the fond memories you all have of her.

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