Mary Ellen Simmons

Mary lived a full and beautiful life centered on faith, family, and love. She cherished her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. A true homemaker at heart, Mary found joy in creating a warm and welcoming home, tending to her garden, and filling her days with laughter, music, and fellowship. She loved spending time with her family, playing dominoes, and sharing kindness with everyone she met.

Mary’s love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived her life. She carried a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart, and a faith that guided her every step. She had a gift for making others feel valued and welcomed, whether through her warm smile, her thoughtful words, or her willingness to lend a helping hand. Her family was her greatest joy, and she poured herself into raising her three daughters with love, strength, and grace.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Iona Brooks; her older brother, Don Brooks; her sister, Joyce McSpadden; and her first-born daughter, Julie Robin Simmons.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of many years, Robert B. Simmons; her daughters, Kristi Menke, Kourtney Milne (husband David Milne), and Kami Simmons; and her beloved grandchildren, Lauren Mirza (husband Taha Mirza), Madeline Strickley (husband Jon Strickley), Mason Menke, Kathleen Milne (fiancé Grant Woodson), Isaac Milne, and Harrison Milne. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Amiah Mirza and Haven Strickley, who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her sister, Shirley Minshew; her youngest brother, Phil Brooks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Mary’s life was a testimony of love and faith. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and unwavering faith in God. Though she will be deeply missed, her family and friends take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in heaven.

Message of Comfort: “Grieve not…Don’t weep for me, for I am in heaven waiting for thee.”