DENISON
Rose Gay Simmons, a longtime resident of Denison, departed her worldly home for a better life on November 6th, 2017. She was the daughter of the late Albey James Simmons and the late Willie Gay (Slagle) Simmons. She was sixty years, four months and twenty-nine days of age. Rose was born June 8th, 1957 at Altus, Jackson Co Ok. She survived her Mother by six months and eighteen days.
Though she was born with Down Syndrome, she was very active, and was very attentive to the world around her, and loved those whom she could tell really cared for her. Rose loved cook books, coloring books, and Willie Nelsons’ music. She got to meet Willie one time years ago, and he was gracious enough to hug her, give her a kiss on her forehead, and give her his autograph.
Her mother was a founding member of the Raynal Tabernacle in Denison, and Rose loved attending the church services with her mother, singing and praising the Lord. After Mother had a stroke in July of 1995, she was no longer able to attend regularly, but she still loved going whenever she could.
Rose was also preceded in death by five brothers, Houston, Ralph, Edmond and Jesse Simmons, and Thomas Franklin Holley: four sisters, Helen Long, Ellen Hill, Mona Belle Randall, and Jennie Bea Knight.
She is survived by sisters, Patricia Ann “Tricia” Simmons of Denison, who was her chief caregiver during her last twenty-two years on this earth, Nancy Shipp of Desoto, Mary Jean Wilkins of Duncanville. Brothers, Paul Dale (Mary) Holley Sr. of Denison, William D Holley of Ca., and Ronald “ Number One Brother” Holley of Acworth , Ga., and her good friend, Alma Orona of Denison. She is also survived by several cousins, many nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews, and great-great-nephews and nieces.
The family will greet friends in the Chapel of Johnson-Moore Funeral Home in Denison at 12 noon on Friday November, 10th, 2017, until the hour of the service at 1:00 p.m.
Brother Marion Ingram will officiate. Sister Marsha Ingram will deliver the eulogy.
Burial will follow immediately after the service in the Fairview Cemetery.
Condolences may be registered to: www.johnsonmoorefuneralhome.net
