Rowena Simmons

Rowena Brown Simmons, 87, passed away November 5, 2011 at Presbyterian Manor in Farmington, MO. She was born May 28, 1924 in Elvins, MO to the late Henry Monroe and Bessie Lou (Queen) Brown. She is survived by her husband, N. Gayle Simmons whom she married February 16, 1945. She is also survived by her daughter, Canda Rozier, husband, David, and grandson, Ian of Littleton, CO. In addition she is survived by her nephew-foster brother, Dick Wood and wife, Cathy, of St. Louis County. Also two nieces and 1 nephew.She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law (foster parents) Lorraine and John Wood; foster brother and nephew, John Henry Wood; sisters, Lola (Bobbie) Briggs, Lucille Hite and Lelia Butts, and one niece and three nephews.Rowena graduated Flat River High School in 1942, Flat River Junior College in 1944, received her B.S. Degree (1952) and Master in Education (1955) from Washington University. She did post graduate work at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater; UNC Charlotte and Appalachian State University, North Carolina; and Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.Rowena taught a total of 37 years at Flat River, Farmington, Leadwood, Windsor, Stillwater, Oklahoma and Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina. She was President and an active member of the North Carolina Independent Teachers' Association and served as liaison to the North Carolina State Legislature. She also held membership in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Phi Delta Kappa (Education). Rowena also served as an active volunteer and docent at the Community Theater in Charlotte for many years and was a member of Mineral Area Arts and Science Council. During recent years she co-chaired fund raising efforts for Mineral Area College Foundation's support of health careers programs at MAC.Visitation will be Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 7 to 9 pm at C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge. Service will be 10 am Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at C.Z. Boyer & Son Chapel in Desloge with Rev. Eddie Bone officiating. Interment will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Park Hills First United Methodist Church or Mineral Area College Foundation.