MARY SIMMONS

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Mary Eugenia "Jean" Simmons, 84, of Charleston died Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2000, at Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Oct. 7, 1916, at Dexter, Mo., daughter of Roy Horace and Jessie Sterett Miller. She and W.J. "Pedro" Simmons were married Jan. 30, 1938. He died March 3, 1992.

Simmons was a 1933 graduate of Charleston High School.

She was employed with Mississippi County Red Cross, served as manager of the license bureau, and was manager/bookkeeper of R.C. Davis Cotton and Grain Co.

Simmons served three terms as Mississippi County collector from 1974 until retiring in 1987.

She was a charter member and first president of Junior Study Club; was a Girl Scout leader, Girl Scout day camp chairman, Boy Scout den mother; first president of Mark Twain Elementary School PTA and was instrumental in establishing the school's lunch program.

Simmons was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and member of Susannah Wesley Sunday School Class, was a Sunday School teacher, and chaired the Council of Ministries.

Survivors include a son, Woody Simmons of Tallahassee, Fla.; three daughters, Suellen Fenton of Charleston, Jenneth Kellett of Culleoka, Tenn., Lucinda Kirchhoff of Columbia, Mo.; a sister, Sara Robertson of Bartlesville, Okla.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church. The Rev. Richard Combs will officiate. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church Monday from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

McMikle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.