Ann Elizabeth Simmons

Ann Elizabeth Simmons passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Paris, Texas, at the age of 85, surrounded by her family.

Born on February 12, 1941, in Clarksville, Texas, to Ernest Victor and Ruby Kathleen Parks, Ann was the third of four children. She grew up in the Clarksville area, where she attended local schools and played the trombone in the band. She later worked as an Executive Assistant and Receptionist for the National Distillers Corporation in the Southern Life tower in downtown Dallas, and later for the Coca Cola Bottling Company. After retiring, she spent several years with the State Fair of Texas supply division.

In 1959, Ann married Marvin Simmons of Annona, Texas, in a ceremony at the Methodist Church in Annona. Their 63-year marriage was marked by deep devotion to family and community. The couple raised two sons, Gregory Neil and Robert Warren, and were active in the life of Casa Linda United Methodist Church, where Ann volunteered and both boys were baptized. She served as a Den Mother for Pack 744, supported her sons in achieving Eagle Scout rank with Troop 744, and remained involved as a committee member. Ann also gave her time to the PTA at Charles A. Gill Elementary School, volunteered with the Paris area Food Pantry and the Lamar County Red Cross Disaster Relief Program, and was a lifelong member of the Masonic Eastern Star organization.

Ann cherished time with her family above all else. She looked forward to family reunions at the Red River Army Depot, summers at Lake Tawakoni, and autumns at the deer lease near White Rock. She remained a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Paris, where she attended worship and Sunday school. She is survived by her sons, Gregory Neil Simmons and wife Colleen of Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, and Robert Warren Simmons of Rowlett, Texas; her sister, Francis Childers and husband Ronald of Celina, Texas; her beloved grandchildren, Caleb Neil Simmons of Bechtelsville, Pennsylvania, and Carol Elizabeth Doecke and husband Tarik of the Gold Coast, Australia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to her.