Martha (Killion) Simmons

Martha Killion Simmons, 89, of Simpsonville, SC, passed away on February 24th, 2022.

Martha was born on the 22nd of October 1932 to Claude and Ruth Killion in Paola, KS. After Martha graduated from Miami (OK) High School in 1947, she received an Associate’s Degree from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and got her Medical Technology certification from the University of Oklahoma.  At North Georgia University, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in biology.  She later obtained her Master’s degree from the University of Georgia.

After graduating, she started her first Biology teaching position at Lumpkin County High School in Dahlonega, GA. This was the start of a 25-year teaching career which impacted the lives of many students in both Georgia and South Carolina.  She taught at Lumpkin County High School, Lakeview Academy, Gainesville Jr & High Schools, Brenau College, and USC Upstate.  She is remembered for being “tough, but fair”, and she inspired many future scientists and teachers.

Martha retired in 1992.  Her main interests were bird watching, gardening and card playing. She was a bridge master and especially enjoyed her poker matches at the Simpsonville Senior Center.  Martha is remembered for her high standards (especially for school report cards), quick wit and intellect, proper use of the English language, perfect manicures, superb card-playing, and love of nature and all God’s creatures.  She cared deeply for family and was close to her two children and their families throughout her life.

Martha was predeceased by her husband, James Simmons, her parents, her two brothers, Claude and Don Killion, and most recently her beloved dog, Lady.  She is survived by her children, Katherine Monteith of Simpsonville, SC and her son, Reno (Susan) Simmons of Greenville, SC, 5 grandchildren, Andrew, Conrad, Erica, Ryan and Kiera, and 3 great grandchildren, Lydia, Madilyn and Caroline.

The family will receive friends and family from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 1604 NE Main St., Simpsonville, SC.  A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal in Greenville on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

Private graveside services will be held in the Highland Park Cemetery. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the ASPCA (aspca.org) or Stephens College (1200 E. Broadway, Box 2035, Colombia, MO 65215 “in memory of Martha Killion Simmons ‘51”) or http://stephens.edu. Both are organizations she felt strongly about.

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