Renee Antoinette Beckett Simmons was born on June 20, 1962, in Englewood, New Jersey, to George Washington Beckett, Sr. and Marion Gregg (Beckett) Whited. Raised in a close-knit household with her siblings Yvette, George, Michael, and Richard—affectionately known as “The Beckett Bunch”—Renee’s early years were filled with love, laughter, and strong family ties. She attended Roosevelt Elementary School, Englewood Middle School, and Dwight Morrow High School, graduating with the Class of 1980. During her high school years, she was an active cheerleader and participated in numerous school activities.
A gifted musician, Renee was also an accomplished pianist and once performed at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Robert Legacy—an achievement few knew but deeply meaningful. She was a proud Girl Scout, earning badges and memories on trips to Canada, Camp Glen Spey, and a legendary Amtrak journey to Disney World with fellow scouts.
Renee’s childhood was marked by cherished traditions—summer outings to Palisades Amusement Park, boat rides with her father and godfather, Carvel ice cream runs on Grand Avenue, and treasured family visits to the Homestead in Furman, South Carolina. Her life was richly rooted in community, growing up surrounded by neighbors who felt like family and cousins who made every gathering memorable.
In 1980, Renee welcomed her son, Raymond Beckett. Despite the unexpected challenges of young motherhood, Renee accepted her admission to Northeastern University and relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, with her infant son. There, she built a life grounded in education, perseverance, and unconditional love. During her time at Northeastern University, Renee became a Sweetheart of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. in 1980 and was affectionately known as “Little Feets,” a nickname that reflected both her warmth and her size five shoes. She pursued her bachelor's degree while also nurturing Raymond, even launching his early modeling career with appearances in Macy’s catalogs and other publications.
After graduating from Northeastern, Renee began working at the Huntington Avenue YMCA and later the Roxbury YMCA, where her passion for working with youth grew. It was during this time that she met Lester Simmons, a dedicated father whose two children attended her afterschool program. Their partnership blossomed into a deep and lasting union, and on July 10, 1993, they married, creating a blended family filled with love and mutual respect. Together, they shared travels, family traditions, and everyday joys—cooking together, supporting each other, and building a life centered on faith, care, and community.
Renee joined Boston Public Schools on October 31, 1996, embarking on a 28-year career in education. She began as a paraprofessional and later became a certified teacher, serving with distinction at multiple schools, including:
• 1996–2003 – Paraprofessional, Hamilton Elementary School
• 2003–2004 – Paraprofessional, Mozart Elementary School
• 2004–2009 – Teacher, Garfield Elementary School
• 2009–2010 – Teacher, Lewis Middle School
• 2010–2016 – Teacher, Higginson-Lewis K–8 School
• 2016–2020 – Teacher, Dudley Street Neighborhood School
• 2020–2025 – Teacher, Winthrop Elementary School
In 2002, Renee was honored with the Shattuck Public Service Award by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau for her outstanding contributions as a paraprofessional at Hamilton Elementary School—a reflection of her commitment to education and her community. A nurturing and dedicated educator, Renee brought compassion, patience, and creativity into every classroom she entered. Her influence extended beyond the curriculum—she mentored fellow educators, built strong school communities, and left a legacy of excellence, kindness, and grace.
Renee played a maternal role in the life of her niece, Courtney Georgette Beckett, who spent summers, holidays, and school breaks in Boston with Renee and Lester. The bond they shared was deeply personal, marked by laughter, guidance, and endless love.
One of Renee’s greatest joys was being “Mimi” to her grandchildren—Destiny, Harmony, and Major. She poured her heart into creating unforgettable memories with them, whether through beach days, holiday traditions, or spontaneous getaways. Though she never met her great-grandson, Khalil, in person, she cherished the time spent connecting with him virtually, hearing his laughter and feeling the joy he brought to the family.
In 2020, Renee was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While many might view such a diagnosis as a final chapter, Renee approached it with characteristic strength and resilience. She often said, “It’s just something else to get through.” Having been diagnosed with congestive heart failure over a decade earlier—an illness she had shown no symptoms of—Renee had already demonstrated her will to persevere. After receiving a defibrillator, she continued to live life fully, and she brought that same determination into her battle with cancer.
Following surgery in February 2020, Renee made it her mission to do everything she could to overcome the illness. Her faith in God and her unwavering resolve sustained her for more than five years. She never gave up—because she believed deeply that there was still more for her to do, more love to give, and more life to live.
Renee loved the beach and sunshine, traveling frequently with Lester, her siblings, and close friends to destinations like Jamaica, Bermuda, Martha’s Vineyard, Cuba, Cancun, and Florida. Whether on family reunions, girls’ trips, or spontaneous weekend getaways, Renee found peace and joy by the water. Her final vacations included Thanksgiving 2024 at the Beckett Family Reunion and a Christmas trip to Orlando with Lester, their children, and grandchildren—a celebration filled with laughter, warmth, and lasting memories.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Lester Simmons (Roxbury, MA); her beloved son, Raymond Beckett(Cambridge, MA); son, Lester (Felicia) Robinson (MA) and daughter, Josalin Scott (Atlanta, GA); her cherished grandchildren, Destiny Mims Beckett (Roanoke Rapids, NC), Harmony Love Robinson (MA), and Major Harlem Robinson (MA); and her great-grandson, Khalil McWilliams(Roanoke Rapids, NC).
She is also survived by her father, George Washington Beckett, Sr. (Walterboro, SC); her mother, Marion Elizabeth Gregg-Whited (Washington Township, NJ); and her mother-in-law, Jackie Robinson (Boston, MA); her siblings, Yvette Francesca Beckett Roland (Wayne, NJ), George Washington Beckett, Jr. (Teaneck, NJ), Michael Andrew (Windy) Beckett (Novato, CA), Richard Thornell Beckett (Clarksburg, MD), Sonya Whited (Delmar, MD), and Kevin Miller (Charlotte, NC).
Her treasured nieces and nephews include Courtney Georgette (Lawrence) Beckett (Anaheim, CA), Jennifer (Troy) Stalwart (West Orange, NJ), Michael Costouros (CA), Paul Costouros (CA), Indira Peart (Boston, MA), Tayler Miller and Madison Miller (Charlotte, NC); great-nieces and nephews Puma Costouros (CA), Montgomery Stalwart (West Orange, NJ), Riley Marie Best and Theodore O’Neil Best (Suwanee, GA).
She is lovingly remembered by her uncles and aunts: Jokie (Clarice) Beckett (Washington D.C.), Yvonne Gregg (NJ), May Harris (GA), Annie Henderson (NC), Jeanette (Leroy) Jefferson (NJ), Nettie Williams (SC), Ira “Turk” Bacon (GA), and Wanda Hale Jones (Roxbury, MA). As well as her first cousins: George “Cabbie” Tines; and Ralph Noel and Jaime Gregg; Kevin, Adrienne, and Shonta Pressley; Pam Davis and Tracey Harris; Randy Beckett, Cindy Jones, and Marvin Beckett; Fernandez West and Miyoshi West Lee; Towanda Beckett; Darren, Cliff, Calvin, and Stacey Lighty; Detrick Goodman, Kim Goodman, and Larry Bacon; Helena Brantley and Dorothy Price; Erica Gause & Byron Jefferson.
Renee also leaves behind dearest friends who became family, including Nycee Mosley (VA), Kim Miller (MA), KimVy Ng (MA), Kim Haynes (MA) and Ronald Watson (MA); as well as a host of extended nieces and nephews, godchildren, teacher colleagues, neighbors, and lifelong friends.
Renee will be remembered for her unwavering faith, boundless love, and radiant spirit. Her legacy lives on through every student she inspired, every life she helped shape, and the stories, lessons, and love she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate in honor of Renee Beckett Simmons to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan) at:
https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?idb=826659376&df_id=6861&FR_ID=2922&mfc_pref=T&PROXY_ID=2922&PROXY_TYPE=21&6861.donation=form1&fr_id=2922&5681.donation=form1