Mary Simmons

Mary Gladys Simmons, 95 of Independence passed away Mar. 8, 2008 at St. Luke’s East Hospital. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Sat. Mar. 15, 2008 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Indep., MO with a graveside service being held at 2:00 p.m. at the Delano Cemetery in Cameron, MO. The family suggest contributions in her memory to the Delano Cemetery Board, c/o Carol Shepherd, 541 Park, Osborn, MO 64471. Mary Gladys was born on Feb. 7, 1913 in Cameron, MO to Samuel Abraham Wilson and Mary Ellen (O’Connor) Wilson. She married Samuel Lockwood Simmons on Aug. 24, 1935 during the Great Depression. She was a valued employee of the Safeway Grocery store chain in Liberty, MO while her husband served overseas in the Army during WWII. Upon his discharge, they moved to Washington D.C. where Gladys found employment at the prestigious Garfinckel & Co. store. She worked in the handbag department for 13 years during which time she had the privilege of selling fashion handbags to the likes of Mamie Eisenhower and Nancy Reagan. In 1962 Lockwood and Gladys moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where Gladys worked in the Helena Rubenstein cosmetic department at the downtown Stix Baer & Fuller store for five years. In 1968 Lockwood retired and in 1970 they moved to Independence, MO to be closer to their relatives and their hometown of Cameron, MO. A life-long member of the RLDS (now Community of Christ) Church, Gladys was a faithful member of the East Alton Congregation. Her husband, to whom she was married 61 years, two brothers and three sisters, preceded Gladys in death. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews who love her dearly and are thankful for her many kind neighbors and friends during her 38 years in Independence.