LaVerne A. Simmons, born June 9, 1941 in Ireland, Indiana, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 in Belleville, Illinois.
LaVerne graduated from St. Louis University School of Nursing in 1964 and married Bill Simmons on October 17th that same year. She worked as a nurse in Indiana while Bill completed part of his surgical residency in the Vietnam War and together they raised four children.
LaVerne was a past president of the Blessed Sacrament School PTO, the Althoff Catholic High School parents club and the St. Clair County Medical Auxiliary. After her children were grown, she furthered her nursing education and worked as a nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville. LaVerne was a community volunteer, an excellent chef and had an adventurous spirit. She traveled to every state in the United States, and all seven continents. She enjoyed musical theater, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Son: Ryan Simmons
- Parents: Herbert and Emma Bartley
She is survived by her:
- Children
- Lisa Simmons of Belleville, IL
- Greg and wife, Kathy Simmons of Belleville, IL
- Pam and husband, Mike Liesman of St. Louis, MO
- Proud grandmother to:
- Emma Liesman
- Olivia Liesman
- Rachel Liesman
- Sister: Esther (Tom) Kellams of Indiana
- Brother: Joe (Lyra) Auffart of Indiana
- Many nieces and nephews.
Memorials: Memorials preferred to the Blessed Sacrament Grade School.
Visitation: Visitation from 9:00 – 11:00 am Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with Father Matthew Elie officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
6 Comments To "LaVerne A. Simmons"
#1 Comment By Joel Simmons On March 30, 2023 @ 10:36 pm
May God bring you into his warm embrace, Aunt LaVerne. You can rest now. Praying for the whole family.
#2 Comment By Frank Srogus On March 31, 2023 @ 8:01 am
Lisa and Greg, sorry for your loss. I remember her smile from the Hideg building.
Frank Srogus
#3 Comment By Rebecca Miller On March 31, 2023 @ 8:23 am
Mrs. Simmons was an accomplished lady. I recall her enthusiasm and support during my youth at swim meets and always a gracious host as we teenagers gathered in her home.
May she be at peace and her family relish in beautiful memories of her grace, poise and continuous love. Honored to have been along her worldly journey.
#4 Comment By Marianne Schaefer On March 31, 2023 @ 9:35 pm
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your Mother, Lisa, Greg and Pam!
Marianne Schaefer
#5 Comment By Juli Van Hook On April 1, 2023 @ 9:58 am
Mrs. Simmons was such a lovely lady…beautiful inside and out. I will fondly remember all of the laughs we had when all of Pam’s friends were there during high school. She was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
#6 Comment By Marilyn & Bob Going On April 2, 2023 @ 5:02 pm
To all family members,
Sending our sympathy to all family members. I have been a patient of Dr Greg Simmons,for a long time, and my parents long time patients of Dr. Biil Simmons. Just wanting to send our sympathy to all of you!!!!!