Terrell R. Simon "T-Rex"

Terrell Simon’s life on this mortal journey began on November 18, 1979 in Troy, New York where he was born to JoeAnn Mayben and the late Richard Simon.  As a child, there was just something special about him.  He loved the Lord and professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age.  He attended school in the Troy City School District, and was a graduate of Troy High School.

In his younger years, Terrell played baseball with Central Little League in Troy, winning many awards and trophies.  During those years, everyone thought he would go on to be a professional baseball player.  Terrell also loved to sing and dance and was a part of Charisma Affair, a competitive dance group from this area.  Here he also went on to compete in many tournaments.

Terrell was a faithful member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Troy, NY, serving in the youth ministry as well as the youth choir, and eventually at a young age was made an honorary member of the Bethel Gospelaires.  Oh, how he loved to sing!  He also served as a part of the youth mass choir at New Bethel Community Church of God in Christ, and eventually began directing the mass choir.
After graduating from high school, Terrell moved to New York City to further his music career.  While in New York, Terrell was elected County Committeeman for the 70th Assembly District in Harlem.  
Terrell was a stellar nominated and Steeple Award Winner for Best New Artist, Troy, NY.

He got his professional start in New York City while performing with a traveling choir throughout the region. In 2003, his connections led him to platinum selling singer-songwriter/producer Lyfe Jennings, who took him on the road. Sharing stages with artists such as John Legend, Beyoncé, Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soul Child, Wyclef Jean and Mario. While touring, he took on a few roles such as backup singer, manager, mentor and tour manager.
This experience led him to manage and develop Shaliek and other artists. The pivotal moment in his career is when he appeared on MTV Unplugged with Neyo, which gained mass exposure for him. He also appeared on TV shows such as Jimmy Kimmel, Good Morning America, David Letterman, Jay Leno, 106 & Park, and The Monique Show. He fulfilled one of his dreams by touring as a background singer with his idol Dave Hollister, who was an inspiration to his sound. In 2015, he went on to pursue and launch his solo career. He teamed up with producers, Lamar Casey and Burnie Stevenson, who helped executive produce and co-wrote his debut E.P. Together they created his own genre to the industry, “R&G” for Rhythm & Gospel.

 
This beautifully infused his natural church boy upbringing with his love of Hip Hop. Also appearing on showcases such as BET Matters and opening for other artists like Avant, Bobby V, KeKe Wyatt and Faith Evans to name a few. His debut EP entitled “#8 ‘New Beginnings'” (referencing a biblical number for just that-a new beginning) reflects where he was in his life & career. The 1st single was” In His Image” and the EP also included “Power”, Sometimes”, and New Beginnings. In the next few years, he released singles such as “Let It Rain”(2017), “Mistakes”(2018), and “The Source” (2019). In 2020 he released “1st”, “2’Busy”, and ‘Shine”, also collaborating with other artists. “In His Image” and “Let it Rain” is in rotation on Music Choice, SiriusXM Heart & Soul, as well as radio stations across the US.
In 2019 he linked up with play writer and director Akiva McClamn as an actor and starred in the theater stage plays “Deep Cover”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “The Storm Is a Ministry” Recently playing the role of (Banzai) in the off-Broadway play “The Lion King”. In 2021, he released his second project “The Package”, a more personal in-depth inspirational album.

 
Most simply noted is that through all of his successes, Terrell remained humble and always professed his love for the Lord.  On the morning of Sunday, October 22, 2023, Terrell’s journey through this mortal life came to a close.
Terrell leaves to cherish his precious memories his Mother, JoeAnn Mayben; his maternal grandmother Juanita Collington; his paternal grandmother, Mary Simon; his aunts Carolyn Pompey, Tricinne Mauzon (Ezekiel), Lestann Simon, and Melissa Canty (Anthony); his uncles, John Mayben, James, Mayben, Frank Mayben, Aaron Collington, John Simon (Annette) Walter Simon(Daniele) and Kelvin Simon (Tracy); his long-time girlfriend Erica Ewings; his two Godchildren Lyfe and Love Lawton and many (too many to list) other family and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Frank  Mayben, Jr., John Simon, Sr., and Stanley Collington.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.