New Bern, North Carolina · 2026
“We are One”
Three days to honor where we come from, celebrate who we are, and carry our family story forward together.
Friday through Sunday
New Bern · Pollocksville · Trenton
This year marks our 10th Simmons Family Reunion—a weekend shaped by shared stories, joyful traditions, remembrance, and time with the people who make our family whole.
From a poolside luau to our heritage tour, banquet, worship, and Sunday dinner, every gathering is an invitation to reconnect.
The family weekend
Times and locations are gathered here for easy reference throughout reunion weekend.
Friday, August 14
Poolside Hawaiian Luau with the ice breaker meet and greet led by Patricia Johnson, Dr. Francis Cole, and Mrs. Cole; food, fun, and happy hour; family activities with Lenny Simmons; the family tree with Dr. Carolyn Sampson Stewart; “Boots on the Ground” line dancing with Eboni Gibson; and karaoke with Eboni Gibson and Mikki Brooks.
Saturday, August 15
Complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn and SpringHill Suites.
Assemble at Hampton Inn, then tour the Simmons Family Cemetery in Pollocksville with Avon Simmons, Pat Johnson, and Dana Johnson II, followed by a brief visit with Hattie Mae Simmons.
Family free time and an optional tour of New Bern.
Banquet registration, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres at The Flame, 2301 Neuse Boulevard.
Family photos outside The Flame.
Welcome, prayer, dinner, family tree displays, introductions, the Larry and Abram Simmons family histories, graduate and military veteran tributes, memorial recognition, awards, announcements, and closing prayer.
Family soirée with DJ Smuvb.
Sunday, August 16
Complimentary breakfast at Hampton Inn and SpringHill Suites.
Assemble at Hampton Inn for travel to Jones County Civic Center.
Casual family worship service led by reunion ministers and Matriarch Velven Milliner, with the blessing of the food by Rev. Johnnie Sampson and a solo by Tawanda Simmons.
Simmons family photo. Please wear your reunion T-shirt for the photo.
Family dinner catered by Moore’s Barbecue.
Fellowship, games, family activities, and the Simmons family closing prayer led by Matriarch Velven Milliner.
Please allow time for group travel between New Bern, Pollocksville, and Trenton. Weekend details may be adjusted by the committee as needed.
Getting around
The New Bern locations are within roughly two miles of one another. Pollocksville is about 12 miles north, and Trenton is about 18 miles west.
200 Hotel Drive, New Bern, NC 28562
300 Hotel Drive, New Bern, NC 28562
2301 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28560
Simmons Drive, Pollocksville, NC 28573
832 NC Highway 58 S, Trenton, NC 28585
Where we gather
Hampton Inn hosts Friday’s Luau and serves as the main departure point for weekend group travel. SpringHill Suites provides overflow accommodations nearby.
View hotel addresses →“Family is the thread that carries our stories from one generation to the next.
Before you pack
One quick form per person tells the committee who is coming, where you are traveling from, and how to reach you during the weekend.
Start your registrationWith heartfelt appreciation
With sincere gratitude, we thank our Simmons Family Reunion Committee for their time, dedication, leadership, and loving service. Your work helped make this 10th Anniversary a meaningful celebration of family legacy.
2026 Reunion Committee
Special Recognition