Doris Jean Cox Simmons was born on January 22, 1933, and entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2024, at the age of 91. Jean was born and raised in New Edinburg, Ark.
After graduating from high school in 1950, she attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1953. She taught high school English, typing and shorthand courses for several years in Ark. and also worked at GMAC before moving to La. and later becoming a full-time mother. In years following, she did substitute teaching regularly at Cedarcrest-Southmoor Elementary School and then held various administrative and office positions including as the librarian at the Safety Council of Baton Rouge. In her 70s, she became fondly known as the ‘Hallmark Card Lady’ at a local Walgreens where she continued to work until in her early 80s, enjoying visits with customers regularly. In recent years, she was a member of Wholly Ground Church, following a membership for more than 50 years at the former Florida Boulevard Baptist Church (FBBC) where she was a founding and passionate member of Widows in Ministry which was established in 1996 and continued ministering to widows for more than 20 years. Throughout her membership at FBBC, she served in many other capacities, as her faith in Christ was always at the center of her life.
Jean is survived by her son, Rodney Simmons (Judy) of Zachary, La, and her daughter, Jennifer Barnett (Richard) of Baton Rouge, as well as step-grandchildren Van Vidrine, Angie Miller, and Carly Junca, along with their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who were all dear to her heart. She is preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Coy Fike Simmons; parents, Bob Anderson and Bettie Lee Davis Cox; sisters, Marcelle Harris, Hazel Chandler, Helen Edwards, Robbie Cox Grace Cotton, and Janice Wiles.
The family would like to give special thanks to the caregiving team of IPC Services at Whealdon Estates who provided loving care over the past year.
Chapel services were held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial took place at Shady Grove Cemetery in New Edinburg, Arkansas following a service at Frazer’s.
