Mattie Lee Simmons age 77, of Bonnerdale passed away peacefully on October 28, 2019, in her home. Mattie was born October 10, 1938, in Fort Worth Texas area to Charlene Eelk. She was raised by her grandmother in Texas. Much of Mattie's life she liked to keep a mystery even to this day. Here's what we can tell you about this special lady... She has lived in the states of Texas, California, Washington and Arkansas. She met and married her love, J.T.  Simmons on July 27, 1983. They were married in the state of Washington and resided there until 1999 when they relocated to Arkansas. Mattie and J.T. resided in Bonnerdale where they raised their granddaughter, Darlene. They were married for 32 years before J.T. passed away on October 20, 2015. She was a member Of Union Missionary Baptist Church.

While in Washington Mattie worked as a supervisor for First Farwest Insurance Company. While she had several other jobs in her life-time. She was the co-owner and founder of "Simmons Bar B Que" for a short time in the Portland area. To know Mattie was to love Mattie. She was everyone's friend. She never knew a stranger. She knew how to be the life of the party and lite up the room. Mattie was always there when you needed her she was the go -to person in all situations. She was a caretaker, homemaker, chef, taxi, therapist, and don't forget party animal. There are many stories to be told behind every smile in every picture.

Those left to carry on her memories include her daughter, Kassandra Thomas; granddaughter raised as her daughter, Darlene Thomas; bonus sons, Steven Thomas and, Paul Simmons; grandsons, Clemente Bosche, Elmer "Jr" Thomas, Anthony Thomas, granddaughter, Danielle Thomas, and five great grandchildren; brother- in-love and sisters-in-love, Elgin (Shirley) Simmons, Helen Smith and Ethel Watson; a host of other family and friends who were also "family".

Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Carrigan Memorial on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.

Obituary Submitted by Friends of the Mattie's

ANYONE WANTING TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TOWARD THE MEMORIAL SERVICE COST OR WOULD LIKE TO BE APART OF THE SERVICE, PLEASE CONTACT THE FUNERAL HOME.