Marion- Tamera “Tammy” Sue (Gayer) Simmons, 57, of Marion, formerly of Herrin, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, peacefully at 4:41 PM, Saturday, January 24, 2015 with her family by her side at St. Louis University Hospital.
Tammy was born on January 14, 1958 in Benton to Benny Carl and Shirley Ann (Grizzell) Gayer. She graduated from Zeigler-Royalton High School in 1976. She married Mike Simmons on August 7, 1982 at the Plumfield Christian Church. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2010.
Tammy was retired, having worked as the Nutritional Supervisor at the Williamson County Jail for more than 10 years. Before that, she and Mike owned Simmons Furniture in Herrin and Marion for many years.
She was a Christian and attended Plumfield Christian Church. She was a former member of the Eastern Star. Tammy was a people person who never met a stranger and had a warm and beautiful soul. Her family was her life and enjoyed each minute spent with her children and grandchildren. She kept herself busy cleaning and caring for others. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include-
Mother- Shirley Ann Gayer of West Frankfort
Son- Justin Killion of West Frankfort
Son- Sean Simmons of Marion
Twins- Stephanie Spivey and husband John of Marion
Stephen Simmons, USMC and wife Rachel stationed at El Cajon, CA
Twins- Eric Simmons, USMC stationed at El Cajon, CA
Erica Simmons of Marion
Adopted daughter- Mandy Perigo and husband Bryan of Indiana
Adopted Twins- Matt Mitchell of Marion
Micheal Mitchell, USMC stationed in North Carolina
Fourteen grandchildren- Alec, Camryn, Wes, Mia, Tristen, Keegan, Justice, MaLeah, Sophia, Jett, Saxton, Seth, Ethan and Aurbrey.
Step-Mother- Carla Gayer of Plumfield
Brothers- Marty Gayer and wife Angie of Plumfield
Tony Russo and wife Cristia of Herrin
Joe Russo and wife Teri of Woodlawn
Sisters- Lisa Prichett of West Frankfort
Cheryl Swann and husband Jonathon of Carterville
Brother-in-law-Fred Simmons
Sister-in-law-Christy Simmons-Baggett
Uncles-Bill Gayer and wife Brenda
Jim Taylor and wife Mary
Aunt-Karla Grizzell Mohr and husband Randall
Many nieces and nephews and cousins
She was preceded in death by her father, husband, and brother- Ricky Neal Gayer
The funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Bro. Bill Gayer will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, Wednesday, at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.
Memorial donations are suggested to Plumfield Christian Church/7802 Parrish Circle/West Frankfort, IL 62896, and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court St/ Marion, IL 62959.