Patti Anne (Taylor) Simmons, of McLeansboro, passed away at Deaconess Midtown Hospital ICU in the early morning of April 8th, 2023. She was 59.
Born on the last day of July in 1963, Patti was the youngest child of Myron Taylor & Ruthie Jacobs. Growing up in Crossville, Patti was always outdoors and treasured her time “in the creek” with her fellow neighborhood kids.
While Marty worked at General Tire, Patti quickly found her niche in volunteering at Thursday School at the Church of Christ where they attended. She loved working with children, and eventually started an in-home daycare. All of the children Patti cared for were loved dearly even into adulthood. After transitioning from working with children to volunteering with the elderly, Patti would go on to be the Activities Director at Hamilton Memorial Nursing Center for 16 years until her retirement. Again, treating residents with the same love as family.
Patti’s life was full of challenges after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 20s. The “IT’S A GOOD DAY” sign on her nightstand tells a person everything they need to know about her journey. She believed in the power of prayer over complaining and being positive despite life’s bumps. Most people she knew never heard her complain and always wondered how she did it. Patti was a good and faithful servant, she was incredibly strong and funny, and she was a rebel who was not afraid to “color outside of the lines.”
If she wasn’t finding a good thrift store treasure with her mother, picking flowers in other people’s yards, or rocking out to Stevie Nicks; she was watching Henry play basketball, Leo shoot trap, Georgia dance, Knox play soccer, Griffin ride his bike, or enjoying getting to rock baby William. No matter how she felt she was there for her “peeps.” She also loved watching “Oak Island” with Marty every Tuesday night (for the last 9 years) just knowing this would be THE WEEK they found the treasure.
Patti is survived by her husband and exceptional caretaker of 42 years, Marty Simmons and her mother Ruthie Jacobs; daughters Miranda Simmons (Jeremy Owen) and Hannah (Drew) Riley; grandchildren, Henry Grayson, Leo Morgan, Georgia Grace, Knox Martin, Griffin John, and William August; and brother Steve Taylor.
She is preceded in death by (father) Myron Taylor and two beloved dachshunds Brownie and Tucker.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please donate to the Activity Fund at the now Silver Fox Senior Living & Rehabilitation. A place very near to Patti’s heart.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Alec Hood and Morgan Warren, N.P. for the excellent care throughout the years and every single person who recently worked with Patti at the Deaconess Midtown ICU.
All are welcome to attend this come and go event.