Mildred Elaine Simmons

Mildred Elaine (Evans) Simmons, 87, entered the presence of her Lord peacefully on July 18, 2026, in Flower Mound, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born on September 9, 1938, to Howard and Muriel Evans. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved stepfather, Jesse Valdez; her husband of 64 years, Jerry Simmons; her brother, Richard Evans; her daughter-in-law, Heather Simmons; her granddaughter, Emily Anne Simmons; and her great-granddaughter, Sonora Jean Simmons.

Elaine met the love of her life, Jerry, while they were students at Elmore City High School. As Homecoming Queen and King, they began a love story that would last a lifetime. They were married in 1957, and after Jerry graduated from East Central Oklahoma State University, they began their teaching careers together in Enid, Oklahoma. Elaine later earned her bachelor's degree from Phillips University in Enid. Their marriage was characterized by enduring love, deep friendship, and a shared commitment to family, faith, and serving others.

Elaine and her family were active members of First Baptist Church of Enid, where she faithfully served in the children's ministry. Whether teaching children or encouraging young families, she found great joy in helping the next generation grow in faith.

Elaine devoted more than twenty years to teaching elementary school, primarily in Enid. She loved children and believed teaching was far more than a profession—it was her calling. Her classroom was a place of creativity—especially her bulletin boards—encouragement, patience, and joy, where every child was known and valued. In 1982, she was honored as Teacher of the Year, a fitting recognition for the countless students whose lives she influenced through her kindness and dedication.

That same year, Jerry's active-duty service with the Oklahoma National Guard led the family on a journey across the country. Their assignments took them to Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, San Antonio, Texas, and Virginia before they eventually returned to Oklahoma. Elaine embraced each move with grace, enjoying the opportunity to experience different parts of the country while faithfully caring for her family and making every new house feel like home.

Following Jerry's military assignments with the Oklahoma National Guard, they eventually settled near Davis, Oklahoma, where they embraced a new adventure by establishing Oak Tree Cattle Company.

They were faithful members of First Baptist Church of Davis from 1995 until 2015, where they formed many treasured friendships and served their church family with quiet faithfulness.

Elaine and Jerry also shared a love for travel and adventure. Together they witnessed the breathtaking Northern Lights in Alaska and explored England, Central Europe, and the Baltic countries. Yet, of all the places they visited, home remained their favorite destination because it meant being surrounded by family.

Nothing brought Elaine greater joy than being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and mother-in-law. She delighted in family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her home was filled with warmth, laughter, wonderful meals, and unconditional love.

Elaine had a gift for making people feel remembered. Whether it was a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or another special occasion, she faithfully sent cards for every event. She also loved shopping for her family and finding just the right gift for each person. Giving brought her great joy and was one of the many ways she expressed her love.

She rarely missed one of her sons' athletic events, faithfully cheering from the stands at football games, basketball games, and tennis matches. Her sons always knew their mother would be there whenever she could, encouraging them with her love and support.

Elaine also had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, enjoyed making others laugh, and brought joy wherever she went. She welcomed her daughters-in-law—Monica, Debbie, and Heather—not simply as daughters-in-law, but as daughters, cherishing each of them deeply.

Elaine is survived by her three sons: James Evan Simmons and his wife, Monica, of Lake Whitney, Texas; John Mark Simmons and his wife, Debbie, of Northlake, Texas; and Jeremy Lane Simmons of Leesburg, Virginia. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Jacob and Nicholas Simmons; Brooke, Davis, and Reese Simmons; and Colton and Carson Egan; as well as her great-grandson, Sawyer.

A celebration of Elaine's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Davis, Oklahoma. A reception will follow the service, with interment immediately afterward at Elmore City Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to Hale's Funeral Home in Davis, Oklahoma. Those wishing to honor Elaine's memory may instead make a memorial donation to the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Elaine's life was measured not simply by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched through her love, faith, gentle spirit, joyful humor, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape the lives of all who knew and loved her.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed." — Proverbs 31:28