Melba Simmons

A stranger could only walk one way out of Melba’s door, as family.

In her 72 years, Melba found time to love on more people than can be counted - because she did everything with love. Food was cooked in love (there was always enough for everyone). Words were spoken in love (a cross word was rare, and her children will tell you it was more effective than any spanking). There was little time given to anything that didn’t involve loving on another person.

Melba left this world September 2, 2017 at Arlington City Hospital. At her passing, as in her life, she was surrounded by family. Melba has been welcomed home by two grandchildren, Jason and Jessica Kirkland; her mother, Louella Bell Baker and father, Jess Warren Baker; and by her sister and brother, Mary Virginia Wilbur and Jessie Leo Baker.

Melba was born July 24, 1945 in Texarkana, Ark. Her sisters remember their baby sister as generous like her mother, willing to give away her last penny.

Melba is survived by:
Joe Simmons, her husband of 53 years.
Sisters Mae Omegial Childress and Rosie Lee Aaron.
Six children - though she was known as “Mom” to many more.
Sherrin Alexander
Joe (Eddie) Simmons
Tina Jandrucko
Neil Simmons
Sheila King
Teresa Hebert
Her memory will be kept alive by 11 grandchildren.
Kandi Carson Joshua Carson
Joey Simmons Michael Alexander
Ashley Alexander Wendi Hebert
Donna Simmons Christopher Simmons
Eddie Simmons Hope Kirkland
Laurel Simmons
Her legacy will continue with 11 Great-Grandchildren. One more on the way will be taught of her Great-Grandmother’s love.

It is impossible to count the number of lives that have been touched by Melba’s love. Everyone Melba ever met was family. You are invited to share your memories, together with her husband and children.

Service: 1 p.m., Wednesday at Blessing Funeral Home, Mansfield. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Blessing Funeral Home. Interment: Emerald Hills Memorial Park, Kennedale.