Mary Simmons Obituary

Mary D. Simmons VIRGINIA BEACH - Mary D. Simmons, 83, passed away peacefully Oct. 28, 2009. Mrs. Simmons was born Dec. 15, 1925, to the late Rodney and Ada White in Norfolk. She was an active member of First Church of God- Anderson. Mary enjoyed movies, collecting dolls and bells, and spending time with her family. She will always be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be deeply missed. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Billy Simmons and wife Mary Ann of Virginia Beach; two sisters, Udell Barlow of Virginia Beach, Margaret Bradley and husband Jim of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; three grandchildren, Jonathan Simmons of Portsmouth, Jennifer Valadez and husband Anthony of Virginia Beach, Rebecca Strain and husband Dan of Brisbane, Australia; two great-grandchildren, Jackson Simmons and Ryan Strain; brother-in-law, Ray Simmons; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette White, Katherine Simmons; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph N. Simmons. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Rosewood- Kellum Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. The family would like to thank the staff at Sentara Windermere and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for their loving care. The family would also like to thank Don Peterson for all the lovely flowers he brought to her to cheer her day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the First Church of God-Anderson, 8600 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23502 or any local animal shelter. Please share your love and condolences with the family at www.mem.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Oct. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Simmons

4 Entries

Padam Jain

November 2, 2009

Billy-

My heartfelt condolence and prayers are with you and yours family.

Paula Whalen

October 30, 2009

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the families.

Rebecca Strain

October 30, 2009

To my Grandma:
I will miss you so much. I will cherish every memory that we shared together. You were such a kind, loving woman. I love you!

Love Your Youngest Granddaughter,
Becky xoxo

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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