Esther Simmons

Esther La Vern Simmons ascended to the Heavens, to be with our Lord and Savior, February 16, 2023.

Born November 13, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa. She came to reside in Mesquite, TX (by way of Durant, OK). However, her little house built into the side of a hill would always be home in her heart.

Esther shared so many blessings within her lifetime. She was a retired entrepreneur, styling the residents of Twelve Oaks Retirement Center, president of her chapter for the Red Hat Society, community volunteer and very active member of her beloved church, Oates Drive Baptist Church of Mesquite. She had an affinity for trains and travel, learning as much as she could about both. Her admiration for our country’s military was forthright and heartfelt. As a devoted Christian, she sought to learn and share the love of Jesus Christ. The benefit of that education and affection would be bestowed upon those she called family and friend, which would be endless, for she never knew a stranger.

From her storytelling to her Christmas parties and themed birthday parties, Mrs. Esther La Vern Simmons will always be remembered for her humor, her dignity, her class and humility. She is a star that will now take her place amongst the heavens. She will be terribly missed, but never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Dorothy Williamson, Sisters Sandra Williamson and Faye (Williamson) Griffin, Brother James Williamson, Son Ronald David Keeth and Spouse David Earl Simmons.

Survivors include Brother Carroll Williamson, Daughter Karen Ruiz de Velasco, Granddaughters Rosa Jimenez, Misti Kemper, Shawna Buchanan and Samantha Stringer, Grandson Rafael Ruiz de Velasco, seven great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held February 24, 2023, at 11 am at Oates Drive Baptist Church.

Visitation Services for Family and Friends will be at 10am at Oates Drive Baptist Church.

Burial Services will be held in Highland Cemetery in Durant, Oklahoma at 3pm.

Shawn Williamson, Cameron Keeth, Brandon Cashion, Joe Jimenez, Anthony Jimenez and

 Rafael Ruiz de Velasco will serve as pallbearers.

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