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Portrait of Esther La Vern Simmons
In loving memory

Esther La Vern Simmons

November 13, 1938 – February 16, 2023
Lived 84 years
Durant
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Life story

Esther La Vern Simmons ascended to the Heavens, to be with our Lord and Savior, February 16, 2023.

Born November 13, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa. She came to reside in Mesquite, TX (by way of Durant, OK). However, her little house built into the side of a hill would always be home in her heart.

Esther shared so many blessings within her lifetime. She was a retired entrepreneur, styling the residents of Twelve Oaks Retirement Center, president of her chapter for the Red Hat Society, community volunteer and very active member of her beloved church, Oates Drive Baptist Church of Mesquite. She had an affinity for trains and travel, learning as much as she could about both. Her admiration for our country’s military was forthright and heartfelt. As a devoted Christian, she sought to learn and share the love of Jesus Christ. The benefit of that education and affection would be bestowed upon those she called family and friend, which would be endless, for she never knew a stranger.

From her storytelling to her Christmas parties and themed birthday parties, Mrs. Esther La Vern Simmons will always be remembered for her humor, her dignity, her class and humility. She is a star that will now take her place amongst the heavens. She will be terribly missed, but never forgotten.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Dorothy Williamson, Sisters Sandra Williamson and Faye (Williamson) Griffin, Brother James Williamson, Son Ronald David Keeth and Spouse David Earl Simmons.

Survivors include Brother Carroll Williamson, Daughter Karen Ruiz de Velasco, Granddaughters Rosa Jimenez, Misti Kemper, Shawna Buchanan and Samantha Stringer, Grandson Rafael Ruiz de Velasco, seven great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

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Photos
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Lifetime

The world Esther knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1938
Born November 13
1939
Esther was 1 when World War II began in Europe
1942
Esther was 4 when Bing Crosby recorded "White Christmas"
1958
Esther was 20 when Jack Kilby demonstrated the first integrated circuit in Dallas
1960
Esther was 22 when the Dallas Cowboys played their first NFL season
1976
Esther was 38 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1981
Esther was 43 when MTV began broadcasting
1998
Esther was 60 when Google was founded
2004
Esther was 66 when Facebook was launched
2010
Esther was 72 when Instagram was launched
2022
Esther was 84 when Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years on the throne
2023
Passed away February 16, age 84
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