Mary Ellen Simonds

Mary Ellen Simonds, 93, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Thursday, November 20, 2014 with her family at her side. She was born November 27, 1920 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Charles Blackwell and Dolly Childers Blackwell. Her education began at Nuyaka in Okmulgee County and later attended East Central State and Northeastern State University, receiving her Master’s Degree in Education and Reading Specialist. Her graduate studying continued at OU and OSU and received her administrative certifications through Tulsa University. Mary Ellen was a well-known educator, both locally and state-wide. She worked for the Muskogee School system for 37 years, finally retiring in 1986. She began as a primary teacher at Longfellow Elementary, followed by a move to the Education Center in 1965 as Primary Supervisor of all elementary schools. Mary assisted with the integration of staff and students. She worked at the Service Center for 17 years in the following assignments: Reading Coordinator K-12, Elementary Director, and Elementary Principal at Harris Jobe School before retiring. Mary was also a Professional Leader, serving as OEA Vice President, OETA Commission by Governor appointment, representing public education, First Chairman of Professional Standards Board, State Textbook Committee, State Legislative Committee, organized Eastern District Educators, State delegate to educators conference in Washington, DC, and many others, too numerous to mention. Mary was a member of the First United Methodist Church, as well as a charter member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Kappa Kappa Iota, and Oklahoma Retired Teachers. Mary was loved by many and will be truly missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris “Sy” Simonds; her sisters, Ruth Clark, Charlotte Eversole, and Lucille Rollins. Mary is survived by her son, Charles Taylor Simonds and wife Judy of Florida; daughter, Mary Margaret Campbell of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Natalie Hartgrave-Ransier and husband William Edward, Shawna Lacey-Tucker, both of Oklahoma, Jason Simonds and wife Stephanie, and Justin Simonds and wife Virginia, all of Florida; great grandchildren, Jackson Hartgrave, Max Hartgrave, Joshua Simonds, Kaitlyn Simonds, Abigail Simonds, and Amelia Simonds, Avaleen Marie Tucker, and Finnley Jo Tucker; other family members and friends. A memorial service honoring Mary’s life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Jack Kemper officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Meredith Lacey, Susan Lacey, and Jim Bushnell.

Mary Ellen Simonds

November 27, 1920 - November 20, 2014