Shirley Lee (Rea) Simmons

Shirley Lee (Rea) Simmons, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Shepherd of the Hills Living Center in Branson, MO.

Born August 9,1937, in East Alton, IL, she was the daughter of Dalton and Ethel (Mouser) Rea.  Shirley married her one true love, David Simmons on March 18, 1955.  They cherished nearly 65 years together before his passing in 2020. 

Shirley is survived by one son, Daniel (Connie) Simmons of Kimberling City, MO, granddaughters Shaelyn and Laney Simmons of Springfield, MO, grandson Mason Simmons of Kansas City, MO, and grandsons at heart, Joe and Mike Layton of Marble Hill, MO, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dalton and Ethel; husband, David; brothers, Earl Rea, Curtis Rea, Cleatus Rea, Eldin Rea and Ronald Rea; sisters, Marie Beasley and Dorothy Cloninger; and grandson, Caden Simmons.

Shirley was a long-time resident of Bollinger County, Missouri.  She centered her life around spending time with her family and her grandchildren whom she adored.  She will be remembered for the warm, delicious meals, hot coffee, banana pudding, and chocolate yum yum that she found joy in providing for those around her.   She was known for the loving care she provided to countless children over the years as she was a homemaker who found pleasure in providing childcare in her home to satisfy her love of children.

Visitation will be at Hutchings-Pendergrass Funeral Chapel, Marble Hill, MO on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10 a.m. with service to follow at 12 p.m.  Burial will follow at McGee Chapel Cemetery in Glen Allen, MO.