Mertis Simmons

A woman of poise, grace, Mertis was born by midwife in Galliano, Louisiana on August 11, 1931, to Emma Mae and Gabriel Letchaw. Mertis was raised in Bastrop Louisiana. She was the first born of five children. At an early age Emma moved Mertis and her younger brothers from Louisiana to sunny California to start a better life for her children.

After graduating high school in 1951, Mertis and Earl Simmons married and had one child Sharon Denice born on April 9, 1953.

In 1956, Mertis became a single parent and began working as a domestic.

Mertis was always an independent, resilient and strong woman. Early on when Sharon was just 3yrs old, she met a lady who told her about the benefits of working through the union. Immediately she submitted for a position at Fairmount Hospital where she worked for 30 years. She was so happy to have been offered a position in the Dietary department where she was able to serve nutritious tasty meals and create desserts that put a smile on the faces of the patients. Her enjoyment carried over into her personal life as well. She celebrated and entertained on every holiday she could with family and friends.

Mertis had a wonderful retirement party with many family members and friends who attended. After retirement Mertis went on to spending the majority of her time caring for her disabled mother. In 1999 Mertis and her mother Emma lovingly called “Momma Emma” moved to Colorado to be closer to family. After Momma Emma passed, Mertis relocated to Washington State in 2010 with Sharon to continue retirement life in the beautiful green state.

Mertis never met a stranger. She had lots of friends and will be remembered for her love of new adventures. Mertis loved music, dancing, singing, cooking and entertaining. She was known for her variety of pretty and tasty desserts – so good they looked store bought! Some of her specialties included Lemon Meringue pie, Pecan pie, Peach cobbler, Apple cobbler, Upside down cake & Chocolate cake (which was her daughter Sharon’s favorite).

In the last hours of Mertis’s life, she was laying comfortably in bed surrounded by her daughter Sharon, night nurse Mary, Caregivers Nancy Chege, Coni Coleman and last but not least “Bernard” (her favorite stuffed animal). All of whom held hands, kissing and loving on her as she transitioned.

Proceeded in her passing:

Parents Emma Green and Gabriel Letchaw and siblings Fred Letchaw, LB Letchaw and Aletha Letchaw.

She is survived by a host of family that includes her daughter Sharon Denise "Kisu" granddaughter Shani Hilliard and Travon Hilliard-Wilkerson (great-grandson)

Family of: Otis Letchaw (brother – wife Rose deceased)

Vernise Letchaw (niece-husband Dominic)

Dominique Letchaw (great-niece)

Orlando Letchaw (nephew - wife Jena)

Celena Smitski (great neice)

Surviving family of the late LB Letchaw:

Julie Letchaw (niece)

Briana Wiley (great-niece)

Kiana Wiley (great-niece)

Kenny Ferguson (great-nephew)

Family of: Irma Jean Letchaw (niece)

Brian Letchaw (great-nephew)

Family of: Patsy Letchaw (niece)

LaMarquise Letchaw (great-nephew)

Family of: Curtis Letchaw (nephew)

Curtis Letchaw Jr. (great-nephew)

Bridget Letchaw (great-niece)

Precious Letchaw (great-niece)

Roymont Letchaw (great-nephew)

Family of: Nina Roberson (niece - husband Duane)

Nynija Letchaw- Fowler (great-niece)

NyAja Roberson (great-niece)

Niles Roberson (great-nephew)

Family of: Stacye Harrison (neice - husband Rick)

Shannon Harrison (great-niece)