Mary Nell Simmons

Mary Nell Simmons passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the age of 90. She was born on May 24, 1933 in Kentwood, Louisiana, to Idella Morris and J.T. Hookfin. She had a long career with the United States Postal Service. After retiring, she enjoyed watching the news daily, and spending countless hours with her grandchildren.

Inquisitive by nature, Mary loved learning new things about the world around her through reading and her travels to Africa. She was well-versed in many cultures, but particularly African-American culture.

She was a supporter of the arts – attending plays, symphonies and museums whenever possible. She was quite artistic herself. Mary crocheted blankets for her grandchildren and adult children. She was even an exceptional seamstress.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Simmons; brother, T.J. Hookfin; grandchildren, Oriana M.H. Williams; brother-in-law, John Lewis Johnson; and nephews, Kenneth Hookfin, Paul Hookfin, and Jeffery Hookfin.

Mary leaves behind many family members to cherish her memory, namely her only sister, Bobbie Jean Johnson; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hookfin; daughters, Mary P. Hookfin, Darlerene Williams, Phillis Williams Netter, Sarah Williams Hill, Anita Williams, and Sharon D. Williams; sons, Jerry L. Hookfin (Carrie), Wesley N. Williams (Laverne), and Lyon B. Williams (Justine); grandchildren, Timothy Jones, Shauntresse Hookfin, Jerry L. Hookfin, Jr., Shatonda Hookfin, Galan Bernard, Wesley N. Williams II (Michelle), Landon W. Williams, Otis B. N. Williams (Demetrius), Eugene R. Netter II; Camerian R. Abrams (Amir), Shanora P. Hill, Lyon B.W. Diaby, and Lyonetta Williams; great grandchildren, Zephaniah Jones, Jamillah Jones, Tameah Jones, Nate Washington, Dylan Duplessis, Tayla Thomas, Gabrielle Sherman, Brechel Bernard, Justice Bernard, Maiya Henry, Kharrie Sanford, Sidney Sanford, Carrie Marie Hookfin, Camille Hookfin, Chole Hookfin, Dervish Abrams, Justin Gray Jr., Ju'Lyonnie Gray, Zion Williams; and nieces and nephews, Rosalind Davis (Frank) of Illinois, Beverly Hayes (Ronald) of Georgia, Zelda Gardner of Illinois, John Lewis Johnson, Jr. (Paula) of Illinois, Perry Johnson (Linette) of South Carolina, Kenneth Johnson (Chastity) of Illinois, Kevin Johnson (Crystal) of Georgia, Donald Ray Hookfin (Kendolyn), Linda Hookfin Thompson (Alvin), Glenn Hookfin (Melissa), Fredrick Hookfin, Lisa Hookfin, and Wilson Earl Hookfin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service officiated by Pastor Raymond R. Watson, Jr. in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 1 PM. Visitation will begin at 12 PM. Mary will be laid to rest in Mount Olivet Cemetery following the chapel service.