"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints"
Psalm 116:15

On September 29, 1928, in Alexander, Louisiana, a daughter was born to Cornelius "Lonnie" and Bertha Shorter whom the named "Marie." She moved to Galveston in the early forties with her aunt, Marie and cousin, Johnnie Mae. Marie accepted Christ at an early age and joined the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church family. She was always willing and eager to participate in all church activities. She sang with Choir # 2 and "The Simmons Singers." She was "Mother of the Year" in 1981, as well as vice president of Mission #1. The most common thing always said about Marie is that she is a joy to be around with and she always has a very positive attitude. Marie attended UTMB Nursing School and received her Vocational Nursing License. She retired from St. Mary's Hospital after twenty-seven years of service in the Psychiatry Dept.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Arthur, sister, Sylvia; grandchildren Tiffany and Miles; son in law. Jim; brother in law, Sammy and nephews, Sammy, Jr. and James, Jr.. Marie leaves to cherish memories with her husband of 57 years, Daniel Simmons, Jr.; daughters, Jacqueline Henderson, Danette Whitby (Ashton) and Barbara Simmons; sons, Michael Simmons (Sharon) and Daniel Simmons III (Tracy) as well as six grandchildren and five great grandchildren; six sisters in law; two brothers in law; ten nieces; nine nephews; numerous devoted friends including, Donaline King, Mary Lee Denton, Frances Allen, Ruby Holman, Jennifer Hull and the St. Luke church family.
Casket bearers will be Mrs. Simmons' nephews and grandson. Honorary casket bearers, Mickey Dorsey, Ralph "Chubby Kirkland, Greg "Spooky" Murphy, Andre "Pizza" King, Gary Hypolite and Kevin Whitby. 

Viewing will begin at 3 until 5PM on Friday, November 3rd followed by a wake from 7-8PM at the St. Luke Baptist Church. A service celebrating her life will held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 4, 2006, also at the St. Luke Church with Pastor Charles Wheat, officiating. She will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery.