Mary Simmons

Mary Johnson Simmons was born to the union of Rev. Leon William Johnson & Virgin Birden Johnson on March 3, 1935.She transitioned peacefully at her home on August 1, 2022 at 3:40pm surrounded by family singing, praying, and thanking God for a life well lived. She was eighty-seven years old. Mary Simmons accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was baptized at First Second Saint John B.C., which is now known as Second Saint John M.B.C.

Mary was educated in the Jefferson Parish School System. She was very outgoing. On December 12, 1953, Mary was united in marriage to the love of her life, the late Thomas Simmons. To this union four children were born: Wanda Jean Simmons, Patricia Simmons, Charlene Simmons Addison, and Sharon Ann Simmons. Mary and Thomas also raised their niece, Elaine Robertson-Smith. She also played an intricate part in rearing her nieces and nephews. She was an active member at Second St John M.B.C. for many years until she partnered with the Rock of Ages Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Gilbert L. Barnes where she served faithfully until her health failed her. She served as a missionary, taught Sunday School, and she was a mighty woman of prayer.

Mary was a homemaker. She loved the Lord, and she was full of wisdom and knowledge. She enjoyed reading and studying the word of God. She had a passion and love for serving people. She loved to cooked, and the food was delicious. She was known for her stuffed bell peppers, stuffed crabs, and her famous oyster dressing. Her favorite for breakfast was fried eggs, ham, crackers, and coffee which she ate every morning for over 50 years. She absolutely enjoyed thrift store shopping, and she was always fashionable dressed. Mary was so full of life, and told animated stories of her childhood which kept everyone laughing.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three devoted daughters Wanda Jean Simmons, Charlene Simmons-Addison, and Sharon Ann Simmons, a bonus daughter Elaine Smith (Isaac), two grandchildren Shovan Addison and Devin Addison (Megan), a bonus granddaughter Ireyania Kelly, one sister in law Lucy Williams (Eddie), one brother in law Daniel Lee Simmons, one aunt Mildred Birden. Four Godchildren: Glenda Randall, Lawrence Alexander, Terry Williams and Fredreka Frazier. Four devoted friends: Ms. Bernice Allen, Ms. Albertha Richardson, Ms. Dora Smith, and Ms. Mary Campbell. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of nieces and nephews and the Rock of Ages Baptist Church family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Johnson and Virgin Birden-Johnson, devoted husband Thomas Simmons, daughter Patricia Simmons, her only sister Victorine Robertson Gilmore, her Father in law Riol Simmons Sr and mother in law Jane Simmons, her great grandchildren Mya Michelle Addison and Devin Addison Jr, four brothers in law William Robertson, Lee Will Gilmore, James Simmons, Riol Simmons Jr, and two sisters in law Ethel Mae Simmons and Catherine Simmons, a devoted friend Rose Reed.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, August 6, 2022 beginning at 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 6553 Acre Rd in Marrero. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 AM and interment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Avondale.