Justin Steven Simons was born April 2, 1983 in Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the beloved son of the late Lamaris Simons-Gantt. Justin passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at his home.

He was educated in Richland County (South Carolina) and Dekalb County (Georgia) school districts. While in school, he was very athletic, playing football and baseball for several private organizations in Atlanta, Georgia. Justin worked as a tile assistant to the family business at Simons Tile Company, under the leadership of his grandfather and uncle, as well as several fast-food locations within the Columbia area.

At an early age, Justin attended Gill Creek Baptist Church with his mother and grandfather, participating in several youth activities, including the Youth Choir. Not deeply spiritual, he knew who God was, and trusted in His word.

In 2015, Justin married his long-time sweetheart, Joanna Moore. This union was blessed with several years of love, happiness, and devotion.

Justin, lovingly known as “J” to family and friends, was a wonderful, loving, kind-hearted and caring person. He had a vibrant spirit and always had a smile on his face. Those who knew him grew to love him as a husband, father, role model, and friend. He was a great artist, doing freestyle portraits and sketches throughout his life. He was also a dog lover, especially to his two Pit Bulls, Baby and Blue.  Justin had a fondness for traveling, shopping, music, and nice cars. He took every opportunity to live each moment to the fullest.  Most of all, he loved his late mother, affectionately known as “Happy”, and becoming a father to his namesake, Justina. Though he is no longer with us physically, his loving and kind spirit will forever live in the hearts and lives of all who loved and knew him.

Justin S. Simons was predeceased by his mother, LaMaris Simons-Gantt, and uncle, Dwight S. Simons.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his wife, Joanna M. Simons; daughter, Justina S. Simons; stepdaughters, Wonyae Garcia and Rockell Turner, all of Columbia, South Carolina; stepfather, Daryl Gantt; mother-in-law, Eula Moore, and father-in-law, Joseph Moore; and brothers-in-law, Calvin and James Johnson, all of Columbia, South Carolina. He also leaves to mourn his passing, uncles, Harold Michael (Louella) Simons of Augusta, Georgia and Lorenzo C. (Doreatha) Mills of Lake City, Florida; aunts, Cecelie J. Simons of Columbia, South Carolina and Kim W. Thomas of Hopkins, South Carolina; as well as many cousins, other loving family, and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.