On January 20th, 1931 in Marksville, Louisiana the late Rev. Remus Thomas and Ola Antoine were blessed by God with the birth of their daughter, Marie. After the death of her mother, she was raised by her father and step-mother, Alice Thomas. She attended Morning Glory Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized at a young age. She was the second of four children. Two of which preceded her in death; brothers Moses and Ernest Thomas. She attended Mary McLeord Bethune Elementary School.

To the union of Esau Anderson, she was blessed with two children, Mary Alice (who preceded her in death) and Ola Kalibe (Duncanville, TX)

She later married Dennis Simmons (who preceded her in death). To that union six children were born: Ronald, Lena McDuffie (Craig), Shirley Clark (Henry) of Dallas, TX, Leola Simmons, Ella Simmons, and Lillie Brewer (Rick) of Frisco, Tx.

In 1968 the family relocated to LaGrange, IL. She was employed at Colonial Manor in LaGrange, IL for twenty three years.

During her late stages of life she was a member of Sign of the Cross Christian Ministries where she will be remembered for her love for the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her memory: One sister, Leola Webb of Kittery, Maine; six nephews, six nieces, twenty one grandchildren (two of whom preceded her in death, Deidrea Finklea and Kevin Alexander), thirty great-grandchildren, and two great-greatgrandchildren.

The family would like to give their gratitude to everyone who has offered their prayers, words of encouragements, and visits during her illness.

Visitation will take place Friday, October 14 from 10:30am until time of Service, 11:30am at the Second Baptist Church, 26 Washington Ave., in LaGrange. Interment to follow at Parkholm Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: 708-352-6500