Rita Ryan Simmons

Rita Ryan Simmons, age 84 of Jonesboro, died Sunday at NEA Baptist Hospital. She was born in Poinsett County and spent most of her life in Jonesboro. Rita was known as a hard worker who had an abundance of energy and determination. She loved to garden and loved to read. She was honest and also very frugal.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Floyd Simmons, Sr.; brothers, Steve Ryan, Mike Ryan, Carl Leo Ryan, John Ryan; sisters, Jane Ryan and Katherine Wolverton.

Rita is survived by her son; Dr. Henry Floyd Simmons, Jr., of Little Rock; 2 daughters, Paula Graddy, of Jonesboro; and Elizabeth Cook, of Clifton, VA.; brother, Pat Ryan, of Harrisburg; sisters, Marie McGhee, of Memphis; and Helen Sefers, of Jonesboro; 3 grandchildren, Chad Long, Park Cook, Amanda Simmons; 3 great grandchildren, Elijah Long, Micah Long, and Evelyn Grace Cook.

Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at Blessed Sacrament Church with Father Jack Vu officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Mickey Ryan, Darrel Sefers, Ronnie Sefers, Ray Sefers, John Ryan and Bill Sims.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Emerson Memorial Chapel from 5-7 with Rosary starting at 7.