So When Are They Expected
By: Tommy “Tj” Sotomayor

to act like the mothers of multiple children that they are?

Family mourns, seeks justice for mother of eight gunned down in North Charleston

This was from her obituary

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of MayaJennifer  Brittany Simmons, aka “MJ”, 30, of Ladson, SC who entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 28, 2023. “MJ” will forever be the loving mother of Mon’Yae Rivers, Da’Zyah White, Taniylah Sumter, Ta’Myah Sumter, Ay’Vah Moore, Chase Daniels and Journee Jones; forever loving daughter of Tashia Simmons and Robert Pinckney; fiance’ Tyrone Jones; loving siblings; Kelvin Cain, Stephin Simmons, Daniel Mobley, Robert Pinckney, Jr., and Tianna Pinckney; loving grandmothers; Jennifer Ferguson and Hazel Pinckney; and a host of many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

“MJ” was preceded in death by her daughter Jream Jones, her brother DaShawn Simmons and great-grandparents Laura and Levi Ferguson.

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Family mourns, seeks justice for mother of eight gunned down in North Charleston. (WCIV)

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The family of a woman shot and killed is still trying to process their loss.

North Charleston Police said Maya Jennifer Simmons- also known as “Maya” – was shot Friday morning.

It happened in the parking lot of the Bloom Room on Dorchester Road.

North Charleston Police said as of Monday, it’s still an active investigation and so far no arrests have been made.

The coroner’s office said Simmons was shot and died at the hospital at 2:57 a.m.

Jennifer Ferguson- the grandmother Maya was named after- said they were thick as thieves and her granddaughter could light up any room.

Family mourns, seeks justice for mother of eight gunned down in North Charleston. (WCIV)

She learned the devastating news through a phone call early Friday morning.

“When I saw the police, I knew something was very wrong. And I said you’re calling tell me that she’s gone right? And she said yes ma’am she’s gone,” Ferguson said.

“(Maya) put a post up the night before she went out on Snap. And it said, you know, time is short. You know, I think we all should take a lot more pictures and stuff and memories because you just never know … And hours later she was killed,” she continued.

When Jennifer thinks of her granddaughter, three things come to mind: the color green, elegant style, and a creative drive.

Family mourns, seeks justice for mother of eight gunned down in North Charleston. (WCIV)

When Maya turned 30 in June, the whole family came out to celebrate.

Maya had eight kids and was always focused on giving her kids the best life, despite the heartache of losing one of her twins.

“She taught her children how precious God is. How that when you die, you go to heaven. And god will take care of you. So, her children even though they’re sad their like ‘Mommy is in heaven. She’s in heaven with dream.'”

Jennifer has spent much of her time lately at church.

“From the moment I walked into the sanctuary, I can. I can feel her spirit,” she said.

And she’s praying justice will be served.

“Maya loved the lord inside and out. Her faith was so strong. Whatever is gonna happen now. It’s gonna be all right,” Jennifer said.