Celena Cole was born on October 1, 1970, to Alan and Voncille Cole in Mobile, Alabama. She was the oldest of two siblings and was educated in the Mobile public school system. Celena was a dedicated and determined student who graduated as the valedictorian of her senior class.

After high school, Celena attended Alabama State University. She later answered the call to serve her country by joining the United States Army, where she served honorably for 11½ years, including service in Kuwait. Following her honorable discharge, Celena began a career with Bank of America, working in information technology and traveling as part of her profession.

Celena was a member of the Banks Miller Post 255 in Lexington, North Carolina. She was a woman of many passions, and one of her greatest joys was gardening. She took great pride in watching her garden grow, especially her cucumbers and squash. She loved nurturing her plants and seeing the fruits of her labor.

Above all, Celena cherished her family. She especially treasured spending time with her grandchildren. The memories she created with them will remain a precious part of their lives forever.

Celena was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved grandmother, Lucy Glenn, who lovingly raised Celena; and her stepson, Brian Fuller.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband, Leroy Simon; her children, Morgan, Beyond, Carmalla, Lionel, and Maurice and his wife, Sha; her grandchildren, Kameron, Christian, Mahki, Maurice Jr., Kambri, and Kaylee; her sisters, Davitte, Jessica, Alexandria, and Jillian; a special aunt, Felecia Dorsey of Alabama; five special friends: Tammy Smith, Phyllis Williams, Cozette Henderson, Angela Sowells and Tanisha Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.