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Dorothy Simmons
9/3/2018
MRS. DOROTHY YOUNGER SIMMONS
DECEMBER 8, 1935 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2018
Dorothy Rhea Younger Simmons, lovingly known as Dot, was born to the late Charles Lee Younger, II and Blanche Smith Younger on December 8, 1935 in Alexandria, Louisiana. As a young lady she studied to become a nurse at Loyola University in New Orleans, but she was later drawn to education. During her formative years, she attended Louisiana College. One day following a chemistry class mishap, she was trying to parallel park her car with a bandaged arm. William Odell Simmons, who saw her struggle, introduced himself and offered to park the car for her and thus began a wonderful partnership. Dot and Odell were married on September 23, 1955. They continued their education at Northwestern State University where Dot received a degree in Elementary Education. They relocated to Ball, Louisiana where Odell began his 60-plus years of ministry in the United Methodist Church and Dorothy started teaching in an elementary classroom. She continued her teaching career off-and-on for almost 20 years before retiring to assist Odell in their ministry together. Dot was active in the United Methodist Church. She was a dedicated member of UMW, taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, and hosted countless church-related functions over the years. She was an avid reader and demonstrated creativity in all that she did whether through interior decorating, sewing, watercolor painting, or drawing. Her continuing education and service to others was a life-long pursuit. Dorothy was an adored wife. At her funeral, Odell conveyed the following. “Dot was the most incredible person I have ever met. She was the love of my life, my rock, for over 63 years. She was my greatest support throughout our ministry- never hesitant to point out the weaknesses in my sermons until I pointed out that ‘there were no weaknesses in my sermons’. I have no idea how I got so lucky to share my life with such a wonderful woman.” Dot’s dedication to family was abundantly clear in her deep love of her children, and grandchildren as well. She made sure that each person felt special for every celebration and holiday. She also planned annual family vacations to Hawaii, the beach, and to the Smoky Mountains with every detail in mind. She was a wonderful cook and at each family gathering, she spent hours in the kitchen making sure that the family favorites were represented. Dorothy, along with Odell, was truly the center of their family and her great love for each of them can never be replaced.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lee Younger, II and Blanche Rose Smith Younger, as well as her brother, Charles Lee Younger, III. Those left to cherish her memory included her husband of almost 63 years, Dr. William Odell Simmons; sons, Darryl Simmons and wife Cyndi, Mark Simmons and partner Kippy, daughter, Allison Simmons; and grandchildren, Meg, Will, Wes, and Mattie Simmons.
The following is an excerpt from a poem titled “Nothing Will Die” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, which meant a great deal to our mother:
DECEMBER 8, 1935 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2018
Dorothy Rhea Younger Simmons, lovingly known as Dot, was born to the late Charles Lee Younger, II and Blanche Smith Younger on December 8, 1935 in Alexandria, Louisiana. As a young lady she studied to become a nurse at Loyola University in New Orleans, but she was later drawn to education. During her formative years, she attended Louisiana College. One day following a chemistry class mishap, she was trying to parallel park her car with a bandaged arm. William Odell Simmons, who saw her struggle, introduced himself and offered to park the car for her and thus began a wonderful partnership. Dot and Odell were married on September 23, 1955. They continued their education at Northwestern State University where Dot received a degree in Elementary Education. They relocated to Ball, Louisiana where Odell began his 60-plus years of ministry in the United Methodist Church and Dorothy started teaching in an elementary classroom. She continued her teaching career off-and-on for almost 20 years before retiring to assist Odell in their ministry together. Dot was active in the United Methodist Church. She was a dedicated member of UMW, taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, and hosted countless church-related functions over the years. She was an avid reader and demonstrated creativity in all that she did whether through interior decorating, sewing, watercolor painting, or drawing. Her continuing education and service to others was a life-long pursuit. Dorothy was an adored wife. At her funeral, Odell conveyed the following. “Dot was the most incredible person I have ever met. She was the love of my life, my rock, for over 63 years. She was my greatest support throughout our ministry- never hesitant to point out the weaknesses in my sermons until I pointed out that ‘there were no weaknesses in my sermons’. I have no idea how I got so lucky to share my life with such a wonderful woman.” Dot’s dedication to family was abundantly clear in her deep love of her children, and grandchildren as well. She made sure that each person felt special for every celebration and holiday. She also planned annual family vacations to Hawaii, the beach, and to the Smoky Mountains with every detail in mind. She was a wonderful cook and at each family gathering, she spent hours in the kitchen making sure that the family favorites were represented. Dorothy, along with Odell, was truly the center of their family and her great love for each of them can never be replaced.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lee Younger, II and Blanche Rose Smith Younger, as well as her brother, Charles Lee Younger, III. Those left to cherish her memory included her husband of almost 63 years, Dr. William Odell Simmons; sons, Darryl Simmons and wife Cyndi, Mark Simmons and partner Kippy, daughter, Allison Simmons; and grandchildren, Meg, Will, Wes, and Mattie Simmons.
The following is an excerpt from a poem titled “Nothing Will Die” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, which meant a great deal to our mother:
When will the stream be aweary of flowing
Under my eye?
Under my eye?
When will the wind be aweary of blowing
Over the sky?
When will the clouds be aweary of fleeting?
When will the heart be aweary of beating
And nature die?
Never, oh! Never, nothing will die;
The stream flows,
The wind blows,
The cloud fleets,
The heart beats,
Nothing will die.
The world was never made;
It will change, but it will not fade.
So let the wind range;
For even and morn
Ever will be
Thro’ eternity.
Nothing was born’
Nothing will die’
All things will change.
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