Tennie Faye Zimmerman

“Mama Z”

May 30, 1929-April 4, 2016

On April 4, 2016, as the early morning dawned and the grass was being kissed by dew, Tennie Faye Zimmerman, our sweet Mama Z, was called home to heaven, as her job here on earth was done.

Tennie Faye was born on May 30, 1929. She lived a long life just short of 87 years. She was born and raised in Texas, where she was a long time resident of Tyler and considered East Texas her home. She was the eldest of 4 siblings, who possessed a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her strong nurturing spirit and signature gift of joy were felt by everyone that knew her, especially those she loved the most, her family.

Her talents, gifts and life accomplishments were many and will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her. However, the things most worth mentioning are; her undeniable love, her magnificent sparkling blue eyes, her feisty spirit, her contagious laughter, her joking around, her “ You little stink pot.…I’ll bust your bottom” warnings, and her “I love you sugar” goodbyes are the things that will never be forgotten. Throughout her life, as a woman of faith heart and soul she always tried very hard to live by example and lead others to the Lord.

She spent many happy years with the love of her life, Marvin Zimmerman (Papa Z), whom to hear her tell it, it was not as many years as she would have liked, as he preceded her in death in 1984. She had three sons, (Joe, Larry & Otis) whom she adored and would have given her life for them many times over! All three were the light of her life and she made sure they knew it through her never ending dedication and hard work.

Tennie Faye was not only a devoted wife and loving mother, but she was a very proud grandmother of 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild! It has been said, “God’s most precious work of art is the warmth and love of a Grandmother’s heart”. “Mama Z”, as she affectionately became known, through a grandchild that would not say grandma and could not stop calling her Mama. So she loving added the Z and it stuck!

Mama Z loved family get-togethers and never missed an opportunity to cook a delicious meal just so everyone could get together and visit! We are all convinced Mama Z was made of sugar, butter and love! You could win her over with anything sweet! If you ask her grandchildren for some of their fondest

memories they will list the candy jar, which was as much for her as it was for them! The “chocolate gravy” and toast, as she called it, that was melt in your mouth delicious! Her freezer full of every flavor of Blue Bell Ice Cream made, almost always at your fingertips upon a visit and Butter Pecan was her favorite! Her yummy cups of hot “Cap-a-Shee-no” as she called it, were also a big hit, and when she was not giving out warm hugs, yummy cookies, and a whole lot of love, somewhere along the way, she passed out those precious never to be forgotten life lessons in the ears of those listening! And…upon a mischievous moment by a grandchild, she would warn, “If you miss behave “Hambone” is goanna get you”, with a smile and a giggle that always gave her away! That was the scariest she ever got! Her boys tell a different story though, that her smile and giggle was not always there when they misbehaved!

Other things that brought her great joy included working in the yard for hours or going “gallivanting” for a “goodie” (goodie: being any fun item she may want to shop for and most of the time it was a gift for someone else)!

As tears roll down the faces of those of us left behind, we say good bye for now, to an amazing woman, devoted loving wife, mother and grandmother whom we all love, miss and treasure. But we know, no doubt, your place in heaven has a good view, just so you can keep an eye on us as you need too! So for now, we will share and cherish the happy memories among us and be anxiously waiting that glorious day when each of us travel our own way to heaven and get to see those sparkling blues eyes once again!

Tennie Faye Zimmerman was preceded in death by her mother and father, her husband Marvin Zimmerman, her brother Bobby Garrett of Tyler, her sons Larry Simmons of Tyler and Joe Simmons of Pottsboro.

Surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include:

Sister & Spouse:

Pauline & Gilbert Nunez of California

Cathy Joe Garrett

Brother:

Rooney Garrett

Son & Spouse:

Otis & Barbra Simmons of Dallas

Step Children & Spouse:

Terry & Sonija Zimmerman of Dallas

Candy Zimmerman & Family

Daughter in laws:

Judy Simmons of Tyler

Sandy Simmons of Pottsboro

Grandchildren & Spouse:

Nickie & Stephen Hall of Tyler

Jennifer & Patrick Mullican of Bullard

Amanda & Dennis Mathews of Bullard

Laura Cauthron of Tyler

Nathan Simmons

Great Grandchildren & Spouse:

Dalton & Moriah Simmons of Tyler

Brandon Mullican of Bullard

Brody Mullican of Bullard

Logan Cauthron of Tyler

Griffin Cauthron of Tyler

Zachary Mathews of Bullard

Chris & Kalie Hall of Tyler

Kim & William Trevino of Dallas

Great Great Grandbaby:

Colten Simmons

Other Family members include:

Many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews too many to list or even count

Family and Friends will gather for a Funeral Service at Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery 7405 W. Northwest Hwy. Dallas, Texas 75225 on Monday, April 11th at 10:00 am. Pallbearers: Dennis Mathews, Steve Hall, Dalton Simmons, Patrick Mullican, Brandon Mullican, and Brody Mullican,. Honorary Pallbearers: Zachary Mathews, Logan Cauthron and Griffin Cauthron.