Mary Louise Simmons

Mary Louise Simmons was born in Cottonplant, Arkansas on May 11, 1926 to the late McCoy & Joella Mathis. She departed this life on December 9, 2013. She professed hope to Christ at an early age and was later affiliated with East Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Mary Louise was united in holy matrimony to Cyrus E. Simmons in 1962. He preceded her in death May 10, 1994. Mary Louise attended and graduated from Cottonplant High School as valedictorian of her class. She received a scholarship to Philander Smith & A.M. & N. College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Baldwin Wallace College in 1977. Louise loved children, and taught for 38 years in both Arkansas and Cleveland, Ohio. She retired in June of 1989. Louise loved to travel, and visited many places in and out of the United States, such as the Bahamas, Hawaii, London, Paris, Greece, Turkey, and the Holy Land, which was her favorite trip. She was baptized in the river of Jordan. Louise was an active member of East Mount Zion's Group 12 as the financial secretary for 29 years, the Minnie Manual of the City Mission, a lifetime member of O.R.T.A., the retired Cleveland Teacher's Union, a member of the A.M. & N. College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and a member of the Street Club. In her own quiet way she was very supportive. Louise leaves to cherish her memory, sisters, Rosella Lewis of Cleveland, OH; Allean Williams of Cottonplant, AR., and Josephine Lee (William) of Kansas City, MO; brother, Lonnie Mathis (Vernell) of Milwaukee, WI.; a loving goddaughter, India Collier of Cleveland, Ohio; two brothers-in-law, Gail and Ray Simmons; three sisters-in-law, Eunice Mathis, Betty Simmons and Edna Mathis and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. MARY LOUISE SIMMONS was 87 when she passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. SERVICES BEGIN AT 10:00 AM ON SATURDAY, DEC. 14TH at East Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 9990 Euclid Ave. Public viewing all day Friday until 7:00 PM at WATSON'S FUNERAL HOME, 10913 Superior Ave. 216.721.0066. Interment in Lake View Cemetery.