Born October 17, 1925, Carolise finished her course and departed this life to be with God September 13, 2019.  She loved God and sang His praises daily in her angelic voice she sometimes called contralto.  Carolise grew up in Portsmouth, VA, was a member of Emanuel AME Church on North Street where her family had roots for 3 prior generations and she never met a stranger.  She later married her sweetheart, Johnnie Junius Simmons.  When unable to attend services, she read and studied her Bible.  She was behind the scenes wearing her full armor of God to serve as the Lord would have her.  She would give to the needs of others knowing God would make a way for her and her family.  As a young woman, she supported the troops by performing for the USO, sometimes beside her dear friend, musical entertainer the late Ruth Brown.  This further set the stage as a compliment to a life of service to others no matter the path or vehicle.  Carolise served in Portsmouth Public School Cafeterias and enrolled to a nursing program.  During her studies, she worked as a private duty nursing assistant.  She was self-less in setting aside her aspirations to care for her ill mother, the late Sadie N. Hamilton.  She loved nothing more than to be surrounded by family, hosting gatherings in true matriarch fashion, and hearing the joyful sounds of children as a beloved mother of 6 whose friend often was called mother.  She's predeceased by parents Sadie N. Hamilton, Frank N. Hamilton, sons, Johnnie Simmons and Benjamin Simmons, daughter-in-law Richetta, grandson Johnnie, and his wife, Tiwanna.  She leaves to cherish her memory 4 children: daughters, Carolyn Green, Christina Boykin, and Regina Alleyne, and son Ronald Nottingham.  She will be dearly missed by 2 sons-in-law, 2 daughters-in-law, 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held to honor Carolise's memory at Emanuel AME Church, 637 North St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 on Friday, 9/20/19 at 2pm.  Corprew Funeral Home/Cremation Services prepared for visits 9/20/19 until 7pm and a service 9/21/19 at 2pm.  Monetary gifts can be received by Emanuel AME Church and flowers by either Emanuel AME Church 9/20/19 and Corprew Funeral Home 9/21/19.