Mary Phyllis (Susie) Simmons

Mary Phyllis (Susie) Simmons passed away peacefully in her sleep in Nacogdoches, Texas. The granddaughter of Swedish, German, and Irish immigrants, she was the third of four children, born in 1931 to Katherine Nelson Klein and Arthur Jonathon Klein of Beaumont, Texas.  She attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and was in their first ever First Grade Class. She graduated from St. Anthony’s High School, Class of 1948, where she had the honor of being designated co-valedictorian with Alvin LeBlanc. Susie followed her calling to the Order of the Dominican Sisters. While she was a Sister, she moved to California, received her Bachelor’s Degree from Dominican University in San Rafael, California, and her Master’s Degree in Mathematics from Stanford University. Susie taught school in California and Houston, Texas, before leaving the convent and returning to Beaumont where she taught math for many years in the Beaumont Independent School District; finally ending her teaching career at Westbrook High School. She married Hollis Simmons and together they shared a love of Clydesdale horses and spending time with their horses in Ivanhoe.

Susie loved quilting, sewing, cats (especially, Gus, Penny, and Sam) and collecting treasures discovered at estate sales, but her greatest love was family and a warm cup of coffee. As a young girl, her morning chore was to prepare and brew the coffee for her parents. This simple act is when and where her love of coffee was nurtured as she would sit with her parents and discuss the plans of the day.  A kind, selfless, generous, and gentle spirit, Susie always put others before herself. She never had an unkind word to say about anyone or anything. She exemplified the life of a faithful Christian servant.

Susie is survived by her nephews, Jude Wilson, John Wilson, Jimmy Wilson and Ed (Eddie) Klein; nieces, Joan Wilson Yost and Amy Klein Dean; and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Katherine and Arthur Klein; her husband, Hollis Simmons; her sister Viola (Jack) Wilson; her brothers Arthur Klein, Jr., and Edwin (Eddie) Klein; and her nephew, Joseph Wilson.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to Elena and Robert Herman for the loving care extended to Susie when she was their neighbor. Because of their devotion, Susie was able to remain in her home until she moved to Nacogdoches to The Arbor Assisted Living facility. We are grateful to Meals on Wheels for the multitude of meals and companionship delivered to Susie.  We would also like to express our gratitude to the staff and caregivers at The Arbor. Their kindness and care were instrumental in Susie’s well-being and comfort.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.

A gathering of Mrs. Simmons’ family and friends will begin at 10:30 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue.