Patricia Ruth Simmons

Patricia Ruth Simmons, age 92, of Malvern, AR, a beloved wife, mother, friend, grand and great- grandmother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, in Hot Springs, AR. She had a long and beautiful life.

Patricia was born on August 11, 1928, in Delight, AR, daughter to the late Hugh and Thelma Boyd Kelley. Patricia was always a joyous person, lovingly devoted to her husband of 63 years, Bailis and their two daughters, Sharon and Dona. She was patient, kind, loving, and nurturing. She was a devout Christian and member of the Malvern Church of Christ, she loved the Lord and being part of her Church Family. She taught Sunday School class for 20 years and loved her students. A natural teacher, she generously shared her time and found joy in caring for others. Patricia enjoyed travelling to other parts of the world with Bailis’s Air Force career, making many life-long friends and unforgettable experiences while living abroad. She studied and developed many talents; she was an accomplished Artist and created many beautiful oil paintings. She was a skilled seamstress and she enjoyed gardening and making flower and plant arrangements. She loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing. She made the most welcoming home, and her beef stew delighted the bellies of every person lucky enough to have shared a bowl with her. She worked hard to provide a wonderful life for her family, never a complaint, she had an energetic and uplifting spirit that she shared with everyone she met. She was a phenomenal woman and will be missed greatly by all.

Patricia loved her family dearly, especially her grand and great- grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Bailis Simmons, her sister Martha Happy and her brothers, John Hugh Kelley, and Boyd Kelley.

She is survived by daughters, Sharon Brooks (Richard) of Malvern; Dona Gillespie (David) of Freeport, TX, Grandchildren, Jeremy Brooks (Brittani) of Little Rock, AR, Natalie Henderson (Justin) of Glenwood, AR, Rachael Fortenberry (Robert) of Austin TX, Joshua Gillespie (Susie) of Mountain View, CA, Louis Zimmerman (Wendy) of San Luis Obispo, CA; Great- Grandchildren, Lilli and Caleb Brooks, Dylan and Maddi Henderson, Danny Ray and Charlie Fortenberry, Chance, Leo, Ruth, River and Jack Zimmerman, Henry and Alex Knight.

A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel, with Sam Carmen officiating.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM, with services following at 10:30 AM and burial following, at Shadowlawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Scott Simmons, Stanley Beck, Tom Ed Simmons, Ed Hollingsworth, Ayden Richardson, David Burrus.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CARTI of Little Rock, AR. https://www.carti.com/

Arrangements were made under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Arkansas. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

In Appreciation…
On behalf of the family, we wish to express our gratitude for your many kindnesses evidenced in thought and deed and thank you for joining us in the celebration of our wonderful Patricia Simmons.