Obituary of Martha Simmons

Martha Lowrey Simmons of Wimauma passed away Oct. 18, 2019, at the age of 83, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family and pastor as she entered heaven.

She was born in Moore Haven, FL, a true Florida cracker and the epitome of southern hospitality. Strangers were always welcomed and well-fed. She was well-known for her cooking skills and ability to feed a crowd without any advance notice. She was also known for her amazing smile and laugh that could cheer up anyone on their gloomiest day. She was a longtime member of Simmons Loop Baptist Church in Riverview.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Gerald Simmons. Together they built a successful business raising tropical fish in Ruskin which they operated until retirement.

Martha is survived by a daughter, Linda Simmons;  two sons, Steve (Chere) Simmons and Rickie (Yvonne) Simmons; six grandchildren, Chrissy (Dan) Hartzog; Rickie Simmons Jr.; Ty (Jennifer) Simmons; Jared Hodge; Timmy (Kim) Simmons; and Marcus Wilson; seven great-grandchildren, Carlie Simmons, Hannah Simmons, Asher Simmons, Emma Hartzog, Eli Simmons, Andrew Simmons and Nora Hartzog. She is also survived by one sister, Vonda (Harry III) Cunningham; cousin June Sumner; and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

Services were held Oct. 23 in Riverview and interment was at Fellowship Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Wimauma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Martha’s name to Simmons Loop Baptist Church.