Martha Janelle "Jinny" Simmons

Martha Janelle (Jinny) Simmons, 69, died at her home in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday, October 6, 2010. As all her family and friends know, Jinny suffered ill health for too long. She suffered two strokes 2-1/2 years ago; however, she fought hard and conquered those. Then, in January, 2009, she was diagnosed with lung, bone and liver cancer. She fought just as hard and was able to overcome the lung and bone cancer, but all her will and determination couldn’t overcome the liver cancer. Those who loved her and prayed for her wish her peace at last.

Jinny is survived by her husband, Gary, who took such good care of her over these long months; her two sons of whom she was so proud: Brad who lives in Parker, Texas, with his wife Letha and Brent who lives in Mesa, Arizona with his wife Laurie and their two daughters, Kaitlin and Jenna; her two sisters, Sue Holman who lives in Orlando, Florida, and Nancy Lafferty who lives in Muncie, Indiana; and her five granddaughters whom she loved very much. Jinny’s brother, Terry, who lived in Sorrento, Florida, with his wife Neva, died just six weeks ago.

Jinny attended elementary school in Dunkirk, Indiana, middle school at St. Lawrence’s in Muncie, Indiana, and graduated from Central High School in Muncie. She also took two years of classes at Kalamazoo College in Michigan.

Jinny and Gary were high school sweethearts and, after they married, they moved to Paw Paw, Michigna where they raised their two sons. They moved to Orlando in 1998.

Jinny was a warm-hearted, fun loving lady. She loved her family, her home, her pets, and her friends. She loved to do ceramics and scrapbooking and all who worked with her on these projects were amazed at her creativity and talent. She also loved her Friday afternoon pinochle group and lunch at Pinara’s.

A memorial service will be held Sunday afternoon, October 10, at 4:00 at the Fairways Masters clubhouse. Many of her friends are providing the food and music for this event, and all her friends and family are invited. A funeral mass will be celebrated in PawPaw, Michigan, in the near future. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hospice of The Comfoter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716

Good-bye, dear Jinny.