Mary Ludealur Simmons

Mary Ludealur Strother-Simmons
was born on November 3, 1940, to the union of 
Booker Tavio Strother and Annie-Ludealur Davis 
Strother in Chicago, Illinois. She was the second 
of ten children; she served as a midwife to her mother and as a 
second mother to her siblings.
Mary graduated Richard T. Crane in 1960 and worked at 
Spiegel Warehouse for over forty-one years until her retirement. 
She made many friends, helped family members with gainful 
employment, and even met and enjoyed a long courtship to 
Malcolm Simmons. The two became one on April 28, 1991.
Mary confessed Christ as her savior at an early age at the 
New Greater Exodus Missionary Baptist Church (Sunlight 
Baptist District Association) under the leadership of John 
Whitehead, Sr. She later participated in Sunday school and on 
the Usher Board under Pastor Edward L. Whitehead, serving 
as president for many years.
Mary was loving, but stern, very orderly, and disciplined. 
She gave and helped many in need and took pride in her work, 
regardless of the assignment, and she always supported her 
church. She was a reserved, sophisticated, and fashionable 
woman, an example to many. 
Mary departed this life at home on the early morning of 
August 25, 2022, to meet her savior in eternity. Surrounded 
by family and the unrelenting love and care of her children 
and grandchildren, Mary peacefully embraced the reward of a 
faithful servant leader. 
Mary was preceded in death by her father and mother; two 
brothers, James Herbert and Ronald; and sister, Ruena. 
Mary leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: an only 
daughter, Jerrilena (Jessie Christian); two grandsons, Jessie 
Jr. and Jerry Christian; nine great-grandchildren; one step￾granddaughter, Jessica; four brothers, Booker T. Jr., Larry, 
Lawrence, and Theodore; two sisters, Dorothy (Robert) and 
Rosetta (Dennis); and a host of nieces, nephews, great- and 
great-great-nieces and -nephews, and friends.

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