Our dear Sumayyah Simon passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on

April 23rd, 2025 after a battle with cancer. She was raised and educated in New York City, and

went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Sociology from The City College of New

York. It was at this same institution that she met Ralph Simon; the love of her life. Having found

common interests in media and photography, and after spending several hours in the darkroom

developing black and white film, their friendship eventually morphed into a romantic relationship.

Rumor has it that Sumayyah often said she knew early on that Ralph would be her husband and

the father of the future children she had always dreamed of. As faith would have it, the young

couple married on October 27th 1995 and moved to Brooklyn NY, then Queens NY, before

finally settling in New Jersey.

 

After graduation, Sumayyah worked for Harlem Dowling in New York as a social worker and

spent several years advocating for children within the foster care system. During this time she

witnessed the devastation of breakdowns in family structure, and the detrimental psychological

effects this had on the children she served. She then worked for The Prudential Life Insurance

Company as a claims analyst until she had her first child. Sumayyah was a loving and devoted

mother who always encouraged her children Crystal and Raphael to “think outside of the box”

while pursuing their dreams. She homeschooled both children, and played a very active role in

many homeschooling communities throughout the years. She also continued to practice her

hobby of photography through her business, Sumayyah Simone Photography, where she

specialized in maternity and newborn photoshoots. Later in life she founded My Black Health

with her friend Sheila Ealey, and also hosted the show “What’s Your View” on the Children’s

Health Defense Fund platform.

In her spare time she enjoyed cultivating her garden and practicing yoga, and she actively

participated in local communities for both. She was an avid reader, researcher, and always

found interest in health and sociology. She also enjoyed watching and debating tv shows,

movies, and current social issues with her family and friends. Sumayyah proudly and

unapologetically lived life on her own terms, and never wavered in doing what she felt was right.

She also maintained a strong love and belief in God throughout her life, and sought the beauty

and wisdom of many religions including Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism.

 

Sumayyah is survived by her mother Crystal Nazirah Dia; her husband Ralph Simon; her

children Crystal and Raphael Simon; her sister Aminatiyyah Dia; her brothers Nabil (Nyree)

Twyman and Lateef Coleman. Her sister in laws Darnley Simon and Garcia (Fernando) Clarke;

her brother in laws Alix (Mildred) Simon, Luc (Catherine) Simon, Richard Simon, Jean-Marc

(Collette) Simon; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by

her family, friends, and all who knew her.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 Leah Way, Parsippany New Jersey at 2:00pm on

Saturday, May 17th. The Simon family would like to express their appreciation for all of the love

and support Sumayyah and her loved ones have received during this difficult time.