Mrs. Barbara Ann Mize

Barbara Ann Simmons Mize passed away Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland after a long struggle with Alzheimers. She was 84 years old. There will be visitation today, September 20 at First Baptist Church Madison from 5PM – 7PM, with additional visitation on Tuesday at 10AM. Funeral services will be at 11AM Tuesday with burial at Lakewood Cemetery. All services will be from First Baptist Church Madison. Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara was born to Alton C. Simmons and Ruth Henry Simmons on August 21, 1926 in Jackson, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lozayne Simmons Reynolds of Camden, AR. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, John Derwood Mize.

Barbara set high standards for her family, those who worked with her, and most of all for herself. As a self-taught business executive, her goals were always to improve and to encourage everyone to do their best. She was someone you always wanted on your side. Her children said, "Our Daddy was our HERO, but Mama was our ROCK."

Barbara graduated from Central High School and went on to become an extraordinary business executive in the travel industry. Her career started with Chicago & Southern Airways, before it merged with Delta Air Lines. From there, she began a life-long career with Rightway Travel Agency. She was well known locally, nationally and internationally throughout the travel industry as being a progressive and innovative leader in her field. She also served on the Board of Directors of Deposit Guaranty National Bank.

After retirement, Barbara was committed to helping friends and others that needed care or assistance. She loved her church, First Baptist Madison, and served on several committees there.

Barbara is survived by her two children, Mark and Merry Chris. Mark and his wife Cornelia and son Connor, reside in McComb; their daughter Brandi Fichtner currently resides in Colonia, Yap, Micronesia with her husband Jarid. Chris and her husband, Jack McMillan, reside in Madison and have two sons, Christopher and Nickolas.

The family wishes to express our love and gratitude to our extended family Vicky Woodberry and Lena Harris. Lena is the Lord's special angel who promised Mr. John she would look after his love Barbara until the end. Lena kept that promise, and kept it well. Fortunately, Lena also promised Barbara she would look after Mark and Chris, too!

Pallbearers will be David Milling, Benny May, Bobby McDaniel, Wayne Hutchison, Wayne Buffington and Pat Brumfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church Madison, Organ Fund, P. O. Box 400, Madison, MS 39130-0400, or MS Animal Rescue League, 5221 Greenway Drive Ext, Jackson, MS 39204.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.wrightferguson.com.