Mary Lea Simmons (Mayse) Bland

Mary Lea Simmons Bland, 88, of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away Sunday, November 30, 2014, at her residence.
Mrs. Bland was born July 23, 1926 in Wynn, AR, to the late Thomas and Clara Riecken Mayse. On July 26, 1950, she and Edward Simmons were married in Poplar Bluff. He preceded her in death in 1977.
Mrs. Bland loved First Baptist Church, where she was a member and devoted Sunday school teacher to the Phebean Class. She had retired after 25 years as a bookkeeper for Commerce Bank, and later worked for Simmons and Graham Pharmacy in Charleston, and Dillies Pharmacy in Poplar Bluff. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was a prayer warrior for all those in need.
Survivors include three children: Gary Simmons (Tami), of Poplar Bluff, Steve Simmons (Betty), of Bismarck, AR and Pam Andrews (Dave) of Nashville; a sister June Hyde (Frank) of Poplar Bluff; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Terry Simmons; two brothers: Harold and Thomas Mayse; and three sisters: Lillie Belle Soens, Gladys Soens, and Easter Spencer.
Visitation will be Tuesday, from 6 ? 8 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held
Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, with Dr. William Vail officiating. Interment to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.