Cleveland "Wooly" Simon

CLEVELAND WOOLWARD SIMON AFFECTIONATELY CALLED, “UNCLE WOOLEY.”

It was approximately 9 PM on a spectacular, full moon lit night that a bouncing 12-pound baby boy, arrived into this world.  He was delivered into the arms of his loving parents (Sophia Jane and her husband Eustace McGregor Simon) on October 27, 1958.  After taking one look at him, they decided to name him “Cleveland Woolward Simon.” He was the third of three rumbustious boys, after his older brothers Alex and Joseph.  His parents had a total of twelve (12) children of which only eight (8) experienced adulthood: Alex, Joseph, Cleveland, Linden Forbes, Stanley, Eslee, Mark and Arinola (deceased) (7 boys and 1 girl).  Plus, the family’s love extended to Dad’s other children, Denise, and Colette Simon.

However though, it was this third little boy named Wooley, whom his mother Jane, declared to be a special child.  Needless to say, as the years progressed, she was proven right. As Cleveland grew older, he became very adventurous and annoying.  Sometimes, to the point of vexation which got him in plenty trouble with Jane’s and Eustace’s whip.  You should note carefully here that “Whips” were always in great supply and demand. There was a great-big tamarind tree growing in the back of the yard.  As luck would have it, Mother Jane always made her boys pick their own whips.

As mentioned earlier, Wooley was quite adventurous.  He was also the best athlete in the family who became a Heavy-weight Boxer.  So, when he needed to be, he was quite elusive and un-catchable.  Especially when it was time for a whipping, his older brothers could not catch him for their Mom.  “Wooley” was smart enough to evade any major whipping later, by doing everyone else’s chores to minimize the severity of his pending lashes.  And boy, oh boy!  Was he crafty enough to disarm anyone with his smile and those twin dimples?  Y-e-s!  “Wooley” was a c-h-a-r-m-e-r.  He was also very quick to apologize whenever he felt he wronged anyone.  It is a fact that this country boy’s charm saved him on many occasions.

After kindergarten, Cleveland attended the Mission Chapel Congregational School.  At 17, he sat for the Preliminary Certificate Examination (PCE) and then decided to get a job. His first job was with the Guyana Transportation Services with the Bus Company.  He worked as a semi-skilled Laborer in the Mechanical Workshop.  Three (3) years later, he was promoted to a Senior Diesel and Gasoline Mechanic during the late 70’s and early 80’s.  During this time, Cleveland became close friends with the Leading Mechanic; Mr. Dennis Quintyn (deceased), who was the brother-in-law of Ms. Dannet Lewis.  She was spending time with her sister, Barbara—who was Dennis’ wife when they first met. 

While there, Dannet accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at a Revival done by Pastor Leal Caesar. Since then, she has been a faithful Seventh-day Adventist Christian.  Almost immediately after her baptism, she acknowledged the challenge to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and began to preach His Words.  It was during one of these Evangelistic Series which Dannet held, that Cleveland got the courage with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk away from the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls. He accepted the Biblical doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists Church, and he never looked back.  From such time until his death, he and Dannet worked together as a team.   On one of their first missionary outreach, two other Jehovah’s Witness families accepted the Advent Message.  From their efforts, Cleveland’s sister, six brothers and most of Dannet’s family are now also members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Together, they have worked for several Seventh-day Adventist Conferences during Evangelistic Series and have been involved with various other Ministries which took the Gospel of Jesus Christ globally.  These events led to many individuals giving their lives over to the Lordship of King Jesus Christ.

In 1981, Dannet and Cleveland got married.  Then in 1986 they migrated to the United States and resided in Plainfield, New Jersey.  During this time, Cleveland attended Engine City Technical Institute in Union, New Jersey.  There, he obtained his certificate as a Diesel and Refrigeration Technician.  He worked for Cummings Diesel in New Jersey and was later transferred to another Cummings Workshop, here in Orlando. 

Their daughter Ghiselle has four children (Ghinesis, Asher, Josiah and Hayven) whom they love dearly. Together, they enjoyed being the greatest grandparents ever.  Additionally, they helped raised several special nieces and nephews whose names are: Rhonda, Odessie, Jason, Tushana, Tishella, and others.  Nevertheless, their beloved blood Nieces and Nephews are greatly regarded.  Their names are: Shonette, Joann, Sherwin, Abbigail, Devon, Jataniel, Enekia, Lisa and 33 others of much honorable distinction—and Cousin Charles and others too numerous to mention.

Folks, “Wooley” loved his family a lot; especially his “Dano.” He adored his siblings and always made great efforts to keep them together.  The bravest thing he ever did was to be a good man…a “good man” to his family. They were his greatest treasure here on earth.  Consider this fact, just about everyone we know is looking for a thrill.  But to him, what was real—was family. He did everything in his power to preserve his family.  He was a great Husband, an awesome Father, a loving Grandfather, a dependable Brother, a reliable Brother-in-Law, an exciting Uncle; and an incredible Friend to many.  He will be greatly missed. 

May his soul rest in peace…

In Lieu of flowers please make contributions to Dannet Simon 

C/O New Beginnings SDA Church 244 Longwood Hills Road Longwood, FL 32750

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