Mary Louise Simmons, 80, of Neoga, IL, died at 5:09 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, in the comfort of her home. She was born November 28, 1939, in Jackson, TN, the daughter of Rebecca Louise Givens-Campbell, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Perry Simmons, Sr. on March 7, 2000; by her daughters, Terri Lynn Straub on February 6, 1986 and Susan "Suzie" Renee Lampe on June 26, 2001; and by her brother, Franklin.

She is survived by her children & their spouses, Patricia "Patti" & Jerry Santoyo (Fulton, MO), Anita Louise & James, Sr. Austin (Valley Park, MO), Perry, Jr. & Cindi Simmons (Imperial, MO), Mary Elizabeth Koterba (Hastings, MI), and Tamara Jean & Duane Larson (Robinson, IL); as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary grew up near Nashville, TN, and would go on to marry Perry Simmons, Sr. on August 13, 1954, with whom she raised 7 children. Needless to say, much of her early life was dedicated to caring for her home and all those who lived under its roof. As her children grew older, she yearned to accomplish even more with her life. She eventually received her high school diploma in 1972 and furthered her education even further by receiving an Associate in Applied Science Degree from Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO in 1979, and in doing so, became a Registered Nurse. She got on at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Louis, MO, where she worked in the operating room for 35 years before retiring.

Away from work, Mary was active with the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), with whom she traveled attending seminars. It was with this group that she was able to see San Francisco, Hawaii, and even Germany. At home, she could often be found in her garden, and loved tending to her flowers. She also found companionship alongside her two dogs, Neeko and Shorty, as well as a host of friends with whom she'd enjoy coffee and conversation. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family. Growing up, she loved traveling, taking the kids out camping or to Six Flags. Later in life, few things brought her more joy than the family coming together and celebrating the holidays.

Mary will be remembered as a strong, brave woman who overcame adversity at a young age to become a success in all she did, both professionally and as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Still, she recognized her need for a Savior. A woman of faith, Mary was heavily involved in church, and was a member of the General Baptist Church in Barnhart, MO. We who are left behind have the assurance that, in Christ, Mary's life hasn't ended; instead, it has really just begun.

When I must leave you for a little while-
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you through the years,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and for my name
Live on and do all things the same,
Feed not your lonliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;
And never, never be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:45 p.m.on January 17th followed by a reception from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 4200 Midamerica Ln, St. Louis, MO 63129.
Her family is in charge of services.

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