Ann Elizabeth Simmons crossed quietly from this world into her heavenly realm with family by her side on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Paris, Texas at the age of 85. We are comforted knowing that she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Visitation will occur on Friday, March 20, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home in Paris, TX. Ann’s funeral will be Saturday March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Paris, Texas with a luncheon to follow. Interment will follow in the Simmons burial plot at the English Cemetery.
Ann was born on February 12, 1941 in Clarksville, Texas to Ernest Victor and Ruby Kathleen Parks. She was the third of four children; Robert Ernest (Bob), Mack Warren, Ann Elizabeth and Francis. Her parents and two siblings preceded her in death, Bob and Mack. Ann attended the Clarksville area school system, where she enjoyed playing the trombone in the band.
Ann enjoyed employment working as an Executive Assistant and Receptionist for the National Distillers Corporation in downtown Dallas, at that time was the tallest skyscraper in Dallas the Southern Life tower. National Distillers was later purchased by Jim Beam. Ann finished her career working as the receptionist for the Coca Cola Bottling Company. After retirement Ann spent several years working for the State Fair of Texas supply division.
Ann married Marvin Simmons from Annona, Texas on April 4, 1959 in Annona, Texas at the Methodist Church. They were married for 63 years. Marvin and Ann left the Casa Linda area of East Dallas and retired to East Texas purchasing a home in Reno, Texas. Ann volunteered for several years with the Paris area Food Pantry and the Lamar County Red Cross Disaster Relief Program. She was a regular member of the First United Methodist Church, in downtown Paris, Texas.
To their marriage Marvin and Ann added two sons, Gregory Neil (1962) and Robert Warren (1964). Ann was a regular volunteer at Casa Linda United Methodist Church where the family attended and both sons were baptized. Ann was also an active volunteer in the Boy Scout program where she served as a Den Mother for both sons in Pack 744. She shared in the excitement of both sons attaining Eagle Scout with Troop 744 and served as an active Committee member.
Ann also served and volunteered with the PTA (Parent Teachers Association) of Charles A Gill Elementary School. She was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Eastern Star organization.
Ann was extremely family focused, she spent all of her life enjoying family and friends. Family reunions at the Red River Army Depot, summers at Lake Tawakoni, falls were always spent at the deer lease north of the White Rock Community. She also loved her church family at First United Methodist in Paris, TX where she attended both worship and Sunday school.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Kathleen Parks, also preceded in death by her husband Marvin Simmons. Ann is survived by her sons Gregory Neil and wife Colleen of Bechtelsville, PA., Robert Warren of Rowlett, Texas, sister Francis Childers (Ronald) of Celina, Texas. She adored her two grandchildren, Caleb Neil Simmons of Bechtelsville, PA, and Carol Elizabeth and husband Tarik Doecke of Gold Coast, Australia. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins that were always close and she cherished the times she spent with family at gatherings including family reunions, fishing at Lake Tawakoni, deer hunting and many Thanksgiving celebrations.
Pall bearers will be members of the family.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial gifts made to the English Cemetery Society, P.O. Box 6, Clarksville, TX 75426.
Online condolences may be sent to the Simmons family by visiting Fry-Gibbs.com.
