A Time to be Born
On June 26th, 1979, in West Palm Beach, God blessed the world with the birth of a precious baby girl. Entrusted to the loving care of her parents, the late Loften Cooper and Naomi Sweeting, she was given the name Lofann Lachrista. From an early age, God’s hand was evident in her life as she embarked on her educational journey at Kings Academy in West Palm Beach. She moved back to Freeport, Bahamas, where she attended her grade schools- Sun Land School, St. Vincent De Paul, and Mary Star of the Sea. When she was 14, she was crowned Miss Kiwanis and 3rd runner-up in Model of the Year. She attended Freeport High School from seventh through tenth grade. She returned to the United States to complete her final two high school years at Suncoast Community High School in Riviera Beach, Florida, where she graduated with Honors at 16. A straight “A” student throughout her life, she earned many scholarships but settled on Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Unsatisfied, unbeknownst to her family, she enlisted in the United States Navy at 18, embarking on a life-long career.
A Time to Love
In God’s perfect timing, Lofann met and fell deeply in love with the man destined to be her life partner, Mark H. Simmons. Their union was sealed in Holy Matrimony on July 29, 1998, in Palm Beach, Florida—marking a beautiful journey of love and commitment that spanned 31 cherished years together. Their union was a divine blessing, bringing forth three beautiful children: Mark “MJ” N. Simmons, Jr., Malia Naomi Simmons (now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord), and Mekhi Naeem Simmons (also gone too soon, yet forever cherished in spirit). Lofann’s life was one of service, sacrifice, and honor. She committed wholeheartedly to the United States Navy, faithfully serving her country for 27 years. Through dedication and excellence, she rose to the esteemed rank of Information Systems Technician Senior Chief Petty Officer. Her legacy of service lives on through her beloved son MJ, who proudly followed in her military footsteps. Now an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force, MJ is stationed in Aviano, Italy.
A Time to Die
On Thursday, March 13th, 2025, Lofann surrendered her all to Jesus. She embarked on her final duty station, the Pearly White City, with God himself as the Ship’s Captain. No more sickness or pain, for the former things have passed away. It is well, and she is at peace with her maker.
Left to mourn her passing are her Husband, Mark; Son, Mark Jr.; Mother, Naomi Sweeting; Step-Father, Derek McDonald; Brothers, Loften (Jennivette) Cooper, Joseph (Holly) Cooper, Arnold Cooper, and Derek McDonald; Mother-in-Law, Agnes Simmons; Father-in-Law, Richard Simmons; Sisters, Rowena (Maxwell) Albury, Stephanie Cooper, Pauline (Rev. Allison) Pinder. Brothers-in-Law, Ricardo (Kim) Simmons and Anzio Simmons, Nieces, Ricquell Simmons, A’Niya Simmons, Jocilynne Sweeny, Jenllie Cooper, Jocilynne Cooper, Shinika (Eric) Russell, Tere (Damon) Brooks, Makara (Alfred) Russell, Tica Stuart, Natasha (Jeffrey) Feaster, Aimee Cooper, Christa Cooper, and Marcia Cooper; Nephews, Rico Simmons, Ashley Russell, Nathan Quintana, Loften Cooper IV; Loften Cooper V; Nathan Cooper; Loften Claude (Anya); Julius (Nacquel) Claude; Maxwell (Shekita) Albury; Harry O. (Teka) Cooper; Darron (Sarah) Cooper; Arnold (Kim) Cooper, Analdo (Jaleesa) Cooper, Joey Cooper, Avery Cooper, Anton Cooper, Jamaal Cooper, Christopher Cooper, and DeAngelo Cooper; Uncles, Harrison (Laverne) Sands, Bernard Sands, Hubert Sweeting, Frank (Lillian) Bassett, Stanley (Ilinda) Bassett, Jonnas (Faith) Basset, Carlon Bassett, Caleb (Barbara) Basset; Aunts, Carolyn Mark, Mary Newbol, Angie McDonald, Evette Minns, Eve Cartwright, and a host of special relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her Father-In Law, Richard Simmons.
A Time to Remember
A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home, located at 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 19 2025, at 1:00 PM at the JEB Little Creek-Fort Story Chapel, 1160 D Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23459.
