Wilma Jean Simmons' Obituary
Wilma Jean Simmons, 88, left behind an endearing legacy of lightheartedness and laughter when she died on November 15, 2020, in the Memory Care unit of Briarview Senior Living in Carrolton, TX. She was born on September 19,1932, in Madisonville, TX.
Wilma married the love of her life, John F. Simmons, in 1952. She adored him wholeheartedly and they resided in Mesquite, devoting themselves to their 3 children. She was a homemaker, but after the kids grew up, she ventured out and worked for several years at Texas General Baptist Convention in Dallas. She loved every minute of it and treasured the friends she made there.
Wilma and her identical twin Wanda were the eldest of 7 kids. Wilma adored her sisters and brothers, and they maintained a close bond through the years. Wilma loved her annual sister trips and was crazy about her brothers. The siblings and their spouses had regular brother/sister dinners, sharing life experiences and enjoying their unique friendship. Her favorite day of the year was Thanksgiving when the entire family was together.
Wilma’s fun-loving ways resulted in several signature stories that have taken on a life of their own at family gatherings over the years. Everyone she encountered immediately adored her because her love of other people was so evident. So many friends and family have commented that Wilma’s laughter was their favorite thing about her, and the thought of her made them smile.
In addition to her joyful nature, she was tough as nails and steadfast in her beliefs. She was deeply compassionate about those she loved and her family felt her love every single day.
Wilma is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. Simmons, her parents, Stephens and Novella Lively and youngest brother, Kenneth. She is survived by her 3 children, Vicki Bell of Memphis, TN; John Simmons of Rogers, AR; and Laura Simmons of Addison, TX; as well as her sisters Wanda Nicholson (twin) of Rockwall, TX, Bettie Cassady of Houston, TX, and Carol Ann Davis of Mount Laurel, NJ, and brothers Gerald Lively, Dallas, TX, and Charles Lively, Plano, TX, plus 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
The family is so disappointed that Wilma’s service will be impacted by COVID restrictions. We feel the best solution at this point is to hold a graveside service for family only. Wilma’s service will be held at Restland Funeral Home, Dallas, TX, on Thursday, November 19, at 11:00 am. The family welcomes donations to Hemophilia Federation of America @ 999 N Capitol St. NE Suite 201, Washington, D.C. 20002, as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.
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