Mamie Saulsbury

REMEMBERING MAMIE “SIS” SIMMONS

Mamie “Sis” (Simmons) Saulsbury, affectionately known to many as “Mimi,” of New Haven, Connecticut, entered eternal rest on September 14, 2026. Within her family, she was also known as Aunt Sis and Cousin Sis. Born on June 24, 1930, in New Haven, she was the daughter of the late Deacon Charles Lymas Simmons and Mamie Banister Simmons. Mamie married the late Curtis M. Saulsbury in 1975.

Mamie was educated in the New Haven Public Schools and remained an avid reader throughout her life. As the eldest daughter, she helped care for her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as her mother, for whom she was named. She also spent time with her grandchildren during their formative years.

Mamie was the keeper of family memories; she was the family griot. Blessed with an impeccable memory, she could reach back through the years and bring family history to life, remembering names, events, and stories that others may have forgotten. Through her stories, younger generations learned who their relatives were, but also how they lived and the family they came from. Her stories, laughter, and genuine interest in people became part of the family's inheritance. Those who gathered in her home, listened to her stories, laughed with her, or received one of her family updates will carry a little of “Sis” with them. Whenever the family finds itself wondering, “How did that story go?” someone will surely say, “Sis would have known.”

Mamie was genuinely interested in people. Whether talking with a relative, longtime friend, neighbor, or someone she had just met, she wanted to know what was happening in their lives. She kept up with family happenings, community news, and events across the country. For years, she and her sisters talked by telephone every evening, discussing everything from family matters and neighborhood news to national events. Those conversations were part family update, part news report, and always sprinkled with good-natured commentary. And Mamie was funny. She had a sense of humor and could crack people up with a story, a quick comment, or just how she told things. She enjoyed stimulating conversation and companionship and kept many close friendships throughout her life.

Her home was a gathering place where relatives of all ages felt welcome. Family stopped by to visit, talk, laugh, share news, and sit for a while. Over the years, her home became more than a residence; it became one place that reminded us of our collective family heritage. Sitting with Sis was like being in the presence of a griot, listening as she brought our family’s legacy to life through stories filled with both humor and heart.

Mamie lived long enough to witness generations of her family grow and change; she witnessed their history, remembered it, preserved it, and passed it on. Mamie especially treasured family memories, including trips to Cape Cod and the home she shared with her late husband, Curtis.

Strong-willed and independent, Mamie valued doing things for herself and making her own decisions. She was still driving in her nineties and took a lot of pride in being independent. She knew what she wanted, knew how she liked things done, and was never shy about letting others know.

Mamie worked for many years at Starter Inc. in New Haven, the well-known company that produced popular athletic jackets and apparel. Faith was also central to her life. She was a member of Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church and, in her later years, became a member of its sister church, Ebenezer Chapel in New Haven. She remained a regular churchgoer until declining health made attendance difficult. Mamie spent her later years in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by familiar belongings, routines, memories, and visits from those she loved. Even as the years passed, she remained interested in others' lives and connected to the world around her.

Mamie is survived by her daughter, Beverly Wilson; her younger sister, Frances Simmons Quint; her granddaughters, Cheryl Lynn Wilson and Keisha Wilson; her great-grandchildren, Brittany Howard, Anniyah Faith Wilson, and Brady Ty Manning; and her great-great-granddaughter, Peyton Lauren Coleman.

Mamie is also survived by her stepchildren, Leota Tucker and Curtis Saulsbury Jr. (Ernestine), and their children, Corey, Keisha, Patricia (Trish), and Deana. Her sisters-in-law, Edith Sipes and Florene Cragwell; and her brother-in-law, Robert Saulsbury.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Charles and Reginald Simmons, and her sisters, Dorothy Redd, Betty Ford, and Mary Ellen Simmons Ingram. Mamie has also survived her late husband, Curtis. She was also predeceased by her stepdaughter, Patricia Saulsbury.

She also leaves extended family members, dear friends, and those whose lives were touched by her warmth, humor, curiosity, and presence. 

A celebration of Mamie’s life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 11am at Beulah Heights 1st Penecostal Church, 782 Orchard Street, New Haven, CT. Viewing in church from 10am-11am. Burial to follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.