Iris Simmons

SIMMONS, Iris Constance, of Ormond Beach, Florida, formerly of Flint, age 90, passed peacefully in Linden, MI after a 1 month illness. She will be greatly missed and remembered for her love of life, family, and generosity. Iris was born in Headington, Oxford, England on July 19, 1927 to Montague William and Fanny Teresa (Mace) Bowen. She lost both of her parents at an early age to tuberculosis, after which she lived with her "Gran" whom she loved dearly. At age 14 she left school and began working for a local dairy delivering milk and collecting money and later became their head secretary. Through this early job she developed a knack for numbers, and rarely needed the help of a calculator. Iris met her husband of over 50 years, Milton L. Simmons, while he was stationed near Oxford at a U.S. Airforce base during the Korean War. Milt noticed her at a local dance hall one night and told a friend, "I'll take the one on the right - you take the one on the left." Their relationship began that night and they married in 1953. They stayed in England during his enlistment and then returned to Flint, MI where they lived until retiring to Ormond Beach, Florida in 1986. In her later years, Iris enjoyed traveling with her companion Merton Moshier, whom she missed dearly after he passed away in 2014. She was an avid bowler, gardener, loved bingo and discussing politics and current events. Iris also enjoyed music, dancing, and was a smart dresser. Her English accent never faded and people often asked where she was from, which she always enjoyed. Iris is survived by her three children: Larry Simmons of Holly Hill, FL, Michelle Simmons of Swartz Creek, MI, and Steven (Kim) Simmons of Davenport, FL; grandchildren: Trevor Winn (Chris) of Berkley, MI, Amanda Winn of Fenton, MI and Steven (Meghan) Simmons of Paragould, AR; and sister-in-law Kathryn (Joseph) Burroughs, of Flint, MI. Iris made countless friends at The Falls, including Rita, Kathy, and Robin. Iris was proceeded in death by her husband Milton in 2004; her siblings: Maureen (Alec) Kimber, Maurice (Beryl) Bowen, Ken (Gladys) Bowen, Ronald Bowen; step-mother Peggy Clarke; brother-in-law Monte (Sally) Simmons. Many thanks to the Neuro ICU nurses at McLaren and to the staff of Caretel Inn of Linden for their love and kindness. Cremation has taken place. Iris will be placed alongside her husband at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Life will not be the same without her "sassy" sense of humor. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel,8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek.