Rita Simmons Jelsma
Cousin Mary was such a special lady! I am so saddened by her passing....as we all are. My Nephew, Larry Duncan, (Larry had the pleasure of seeing her every year) told me about her passing last Sunday, and Larry and I have since tried to get in touch with David; however, I do realize he was overwhelmed by everything and unable to call us back.
Mary was such a dear lady: she helped my parents, Woody and Elise Simmons, every year they were in TN...She picked them up at the airport, took them to her home for the night where they enjoyed great food and good conversation, then drove them to their farm in Henry, TN the next day. She usually stayed with them for a couple of days before driving back home. She would drive back down to Henry 3-4 months later and pick them up to take them back to her house, then, to the airport to fly home to Torrance, CA. My Mom and Dad so loved and appreciated her! (Woody Simmons was one of the brothers to Vienna Simmons Turner.)
I was fortunate enough to see Mary 5 years ago when I went back to TN. I had not seen her (we talked on the phone throughout he years), for 60 years prior to that visit! Our visit was as though we had seen each other all the time - no interruption in time whatsoever! I cannot say enough about this lady...there aren't enough words to describe her nor how I feel. She was the best!
May God sustain you through this grievous time...
Love, Rita Simmons Jelsma
