Norma "Granny" Maxine Bowman Simmons

Norma Maxine Bowman Simmons “Granny” 86, of Abilene passed away Thursday, September 3, 2015 in Abilene. Funeral Services will be held 10 AM, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Elmcrest Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Funston, TX. Services entrusted to Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory St. Abilene, TX.

Granny was born April 25, 1929 in Sweetwater, Oklahoma to the late James Franklin and Bessie Knox Bowman. She attended school in California and Hawley. She also attended Glen and Lottie’s School of Beauty working as a beautician for many years. She married James E. Simmons in Hawley on June 28, 1947. Her family owned Simmons Tomatoes for many years. She attended Elmcrest Baptist Church and was a loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She was always helping everyone and was a friend to all who knew her.

Preceding Norma in death were her parents, husband, brothers, Joseph, Thomas, Michael, Robert, and Patrick; and sister, Violet Inez. Remaining behind to cherish “Granny’s” memory are her sons, Gary Edward Simmons and wife Diedra of Tye, Franklin Martin Simmons and wife Tracy of Abilene; daughter, Karen Jane White of Abilene; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Dan Bowman and Jimmy Bowman; and sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Allison; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Chris White, James Simmons, Matthew White, Paul Simmons, TJ Simmons, and Elvin Chew.

The family will be receiving friends from 6 until 8 PM on Monday, September 7, 2015 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.