Ella Ceola Simmons

Ella Ceola Simmons, age 90, died March 28, 2012. She was born April 12, 1921, to Earl and Clairetta Harris. Ella was a member of First Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir. She worked as a manager of Young's Discount Store and Alco, where she was lovingly known as "The Mother of Alco." Ella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Ralph Simmons; four sisters, Norma Townsel, Coma Spriggs, DeVona McCoy, and Clairetta Clemmer. Survivors include: daughter, Karen Richardson of Carlisle; son, Greg Simmons (Louise) of Austin; brother, Earl (Marti) Harris of Stevensville, Mich.; four grandchildren, Shelley Mitchell, Almyra; Tommy Mitchell Jr., Stuttgart; Christie (Chris) Abbott and Trey (Dana) Simmons all of Austin; seven great-grandchildren, Clint (Bridget) Nordberg, Mitchell (Tiffiney) Nordberg, Allison Lisko, Elaina Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Jordan Reed, and Macee Abbott; three great-great-grandchildren, Landon Lisko, Kayden Nordberg, and Hunter Layman; and special friend, Clara Fitzpatrick. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, at Essex Funeral Home. Services will be 2 p.m., Saturday at First Christian Church with burial in Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church.