Dr. Carolyn Hayes-Simmons was born in Penns Grove, NJ and raised by her grandparents the late Willard & Birda Jones. Married to late Deacon Nelson B. Simmons Jr. she is the proud mother of two daughters, three sons, one foster daughter, one GodDaughter, six grand-children and one great grandson.
Dr. Simmons retired after thirty-six years from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services County of Salem where she served as Public Health RN Nurse, Public Health Officer and the Infectious Disease Control Counselor.
Dr. Simmons answered her call to the gospel ministry in 2003 and was licensed by Saint Phillips Missionary Baptist Church of Trenton, NJ, later receiving her certificate of ordination from the Middlesex Central Association of the General Baptist Association of New Jersey.
Dr. Simmons served as an associate minister at the Saint Phillips Baptist Church, Hamilton, NJ under Dr. Joseph E. Woods, Pastor. While at St. Phillips she also served in leadership with the strengthen the family ministry, as church secretary and as a liaison to seven ministers in the church to the pastor. Dr. Simmons also serves in various capacities with the General Baptist Convention of New Jersey. At Second Baptist Dr. Simmons now serves as an associate minister and leader of the women’s ministry.
Dr. Simmons has a heart for volunteerism and has served on various township, county and state boards and organizations. She volunteers with Pastoral Care/TLC Memorial Hospital, Salem County, Inspira Hospital Woodbury and Mullica Hill, guest service desk at Salem Memorial hospital, Code-Blue of Salem County and as a mentor for Big Brothers and Sisters of Salem County just to name a few.
Dr. Simmons is a veteran of the US Army being honorably discharged as a Sgt. First Class after years of service. Additionally, she is a member of Rose of Sharon Chapter #49, Penns Grove, NJ, Past Grand Worthy Matron of Oziel Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Stars, PHA State of New Jersey, and President, Chair Lady of Past Grand Worthy Matron and Patrons Council.
Dr. Simmons returned home to Second Baptist Pedricktown in 2016 where she began her formal biblical training at the age of five under the leadership of the late Pastor King David Tunstall and later in life Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Edward W. Dorn. Her Favorite Scripture Proverbs 3:5~6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine Own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Dr. Simmons earned her Associates of Arts Degree in Business Administration and Human Social Service from Salem County Community College, a Bachelor’s and Master of Science Degree in Public Health Nursing and Social Service from the University of Delaware, a Master of Arts and Doctoral Degree of Theology from International Christian University and a Doctoral Degree of Theology from Eastern University.
