Mary Ellen ("Jill") Simmons

MARY ELLEN SIMMONS was born on January 19, 1944 to Edna and George Howard in Batesville, MS. Mary lived a fun and eventful life, and joined God in paradise on September 18, 2019. Her father, George Howard (1992); mother, Edna Haynes (2005); and sister, Ethel Anderson (2018); preceded her in death. 

Mary accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Mississippi at the age of nine years old. She attended West District High School in Sumner, MS. At the age of fifteen, Mary married James R. Simmons in Wells, MS. Of this union, they shared six children and later relocated to Saint Louis, MO. At the end of this union, Mary began her journey to independence and completed her family with the birth of her seventh child.

Mary had a very flamboyant spirit and drew the attention of many with her outgoing personality, a desire to make people smile, and her compassionate heart that made everyone feel safe when confiding their emotions. She welcomed newcomers with ease and always made you feel included in her family. 

Family and friends referred to her as ''Jill", "Sister" and ''Aunt Sister": and they raced at the opportunity to experience her home cooked meals. She enjoyed singing, dressing in stylish attire, and spending time with loved ones. Her energy was contagious and enduring. She fought a long, hard battle with cancer; however, she did NOT allow it to rob her of her joy. She yearned to live life to the fullest, but yearned more to be with the Lord when her time was due. 

Mary leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters: Linda, Laura, and Carla; four sons: James, Charles, Gary, and Darris; three sisters: Geraldine, LueBirda and Shirley; three brothers: George, Jimmy (Diane), and A.C. Q"essie Mae); twenty-three grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of close and extended family and friends.

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