Merle Elizabeth Simmons

Ms. Merle Hickman Simmons, age 86 and a lifelong resident of Saucier passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013 in Gulfport.
She was active in real estate sales (Sunland Realty) thirty years until her brief illness.
She was a charter member of First Baptist Church of Saucier. She loved to sing gospel hymns; her passion was flowers, and she was a fabulous cook.
She was preceded in death by her son, Louis Simmons, Jr.; her son-in-laws, Steve Daniels and James E. Parker; her parents, Peter W. and Emma Alexander Hickman; her sisters, Maxine Hickman, Vera Blackwell, and Grace N. Hickman; her brothers, Harold Hickman, Billy G. Hickman, and infant, Jack.
She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Herrin (Richard), Deborah Montgomery (Leslie, Jr.), both of Saucier, Martha Daniels of Perkinston, Sandra Parker of Big Level; her sons, Harold Simmons (Freda), Scott Simmons (Ruby), Brian Simmons (Cindy), all of Saucier; her sister, Gloria Murphy of Gulfport; her sister-in-laws, Elvie Hickman and Linda Hickman, both of Saucier, Joyce Cochran of Saraland, AL; her brother-in-law, Jesse Simmons of Shubuta, MS; twenty grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, on Thursday, July 18, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation is one hour prior to the funeral service and interment will follow in Saucier Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.