By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
5 Comments
  • Visitation

    Tuesday, September 3, 2024
    5p.m. to 7p.m.
    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home

  • Service

    Graveside Service
    2:00 p.m.
    Wednesday, September 4, 2024
    Cisne Cemetery

     

  • Full Obituary

    Mary Lou Simmons, 88, of Cisne, IL. passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, at her residence.

    Mary Lou was born May 6, 1936, to James Austin and Ida Marie (Robinson) Allen in Sessor, IL. She married Richard Brian Simmons on May 27, 1961, in Benton, IL. He preceded her in death on April 24, 2001.

    Mary Lou began her teaching career in 1958 at North Wayne Unit School District #200 where she taught English, Home Economics, Physical Education, and other subjects if needed. She was also the girls track coach, she liked to be around the kids and see that they excelled to their potential. She retired from teaching in 1993.

    Mary Lou was a member of Hazel Dale Baptist Church in Sessor, IL. and attended Blue Point Baptist Church and would often take one of her four granddaughters with her. She was proud of each of them and loved to talk about them and their accomplishments and attend their activities. She was very active in Eastern Star, and was fifty years plus member, Wayne County Home Extension Craft Club and Retired Teachers Association. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting, gardening, taking care of her flowers and Mary Lou was very much a people person and always enjoyed visiting with you.

    She is survived by her two sons Gilbert (Cindy) Simmons of Cisne and Jimmy (Jennifer) Simmons of Geff, IL; four granddaughters Ruth Marie Simmons, Whitney Simmons, Hailey Simmons and Lainie Simmons.

    She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

    A visitation: will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2024, from 5p.m.-7p.m at the funeral home.

    Graveside services: Will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2p.m. in Cisne Cemetery. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

    Memorials may be given in memory of Mary Lou to the North Wayne School District #200 for their track program or Consumer Science Program formerly known as Home Economics and will be accepted at the funeral.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

    Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home.

     

     

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

5 Condolences
 
  1. Ernie Lewis / August 30, 2024 at 8:12 pm

    We loved Miss Mary Lou. She and I were both from Sesser and Hazel Dell Church. We loved how she brought her granddaughters to Blue Point for many years. Always smiling, she was a sweet lady,

  2. Mary Reynolds / August 30, 2024 at 8:35 pm

    My condolences to the family 🙏 Mary Lou was the sweetest lady ❤️

  3. Kimberly Robinson / August 30, 2024 at 8:38 pm

    I so enjoyed visiting with my cousin, Mary Lou. I enjoyed our time the last few years visiting on their trips to Sesser. She will definitely be missed….

  4. Carolyn Matchett / September 2, 2024 at 8:04 pm

    Mary Lou was a important part in the village of Cisne she will be greatly missed as she was greatly loved. She always took time to stop and visit when our paths meet. Love and Prayers to the family and all who loved her.

  5. James Keith / September 3, 2024 at 6:04 pm

    I wish to express my deepest condolences to your families for your loss of Mary Lou. It is very satisfying to know that she devoted 35 years of her life to the education of our youth, especially in the subject of English. Many of our fellow citizens can thank Mary Lou directly for greatly increasing their literacy at such a formative time in their lives. The World is a far better place because of Mary Lou. May God bless all of you with peace as you reflect on her life fully lived.

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