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Mary Frances Simmons, devoted wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully in Toccoa, Georgia on Sunday, June 9, at the age of 93 years old.

Mary was born in Greenville to Thomas and Emma Page. She will be remembered by her faith, love to her family, her southern cooking and cultivating her vegetable garden. Mary instilled her love for the Lord in her sons. It was her faith in Christ that served as the “glue” that bonded her family together. The joy of Christ shined through her and the love in her heart was so great that it touched everyone along her path.

While Mary had many gifts, she excelled at demonstrating her love for others through the labor of her hands. Together, with her husband James, they cultivated an abundant fruit and vegetable garden that they so graciously shared with others. Anyone visiting her would never leave hungry. It was Mary’s grit and never-ending perseverance that allowed both her garden and family to flourish – a work ethic that will transcend generations.

Her husband, James, preceded her in death. Mary and her husband James were married on Sept. 5, 1959. Mary is survived by her two sons James M. Simmons Jr. and wife Madeleine of Toccoa, Georgia, and Thomas L. Simmons and wife Rose of Fate, Texas. Also, Mary is survived by six grandchildren including Emily Braza and husband Benjamin; Natalie Simmons; Carly Gordon and husband Kenneth and Melody Armijo. 

Visitation will be held at Dunklin Funeral Home, 812 W. Commerce Street in Greenville on Friday, June 14 from 3 to 4 p.m. for family and 4 to 6 p.m. for the public. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of Dunklin Funeral Home Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. with Brother Ronald Paige officiating.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Clary Care Center team, hospice, and doctors for their loving care and kindness.

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.