of Vilonia, AR
December 19, 1924 - June 24, 2009
Dorcas V. Simmons Measel of Vilonia, died Wednesday (June 24, 2009).
Born December 19,1924, in Vilonia, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Ernest Franklin (E.F.) Simmons and Jennie Viola Parker Simmons.
Dorcas graduated as Salutatorian from Vilonia High School in 1943. She graduated from Central College for Women in 1945 then continued to Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in Conway to graduate with a bachelors and masters degree in education.
Dorcas taught school for 33 years. She taught elementary school at Huttig, Kirby and Blevins, Arkansas; Falfurrias and Highlands, Texas and lastly at Little Rock Air Force Base Elementary School.
Some of her greatest joys were to sew for her nieces and nephews and baby-sitting great nephews Eric and Jeremy Ramsey. She was famous for her homemade layered coconut cakes.
Ms. Measel was proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 22 years, Rev. Joel B. (J.B.) Measel and stepson, Joel Ray Measel of Vilonia; brothers, Doyle Simmons of Vilonia, Dr. Darrell Simmons of Cleveland, Tenn., Dennis Simmons of Queen City, Texas, Dexter Simmons of Porter, Texas; and sisters, Dorothy Simmons, Drucie Fortner and Delma Harris of Vilonia.
Ms. Measel is survived by sisters Doris Shaw of Conway and Donnie Sartain of Rose Bud.
Funeral service will be Saturday 10 a.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home. Burial will be at Beryl Cemetery in Vilonia, Arkansas with Bro. Ken Jordan and John W. Lindsey II officiating.
Visitation will be Friday 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway.
Pallbearers are great nephews; Richard Harris, Eric Ramsey, Jeremy Ramsey, Roger Robinson, Clay Rodgers, and Braye Cloud.
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8 Condolence(s)
Jennifer Simmons
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I first visited Dorcas in her home a couple of years ago after my father died. She and my father, Thomas Harold Simmons, were first cousins. I greatly enjoyed my visit with her as she happily shared stories about our common family. She had not met me before. My grandfather and her father were brothers. In fact, we visited the Mt. Holly cemetery together and look at all the Simmons graves there. It was a cold, rainy day and I worried that she might be chilled, but she stood strong and straight and reminded me of my father. I very much enjoyed that day and I wish I could have had more visits with her. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Larry Venable
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Dorcas was a great lady and will be missed. She corresponded with me providing information about our common ancestors, Carey and Eunice Oliver. She also graciously hosted my cousin Louis Bush and I one afternoon and relayed her memories of growing up and the community. She gave me a copy of the book she compiled on the history of Beryl Church and I treasure it.
Sue Farris
Saturday, June 27, 2009
What a wonderful lady she was! I remember her as a faithful volunteer for the Vilonia schools. She was always loving and encouraging to everyone.
Nancy Simmons Carmon
Saturday, June 27, 2009
My faith tells me that Dorcas is reunited with her husband and family--all those who have gone before her, and that she is in a better place. We will miss her presence as the family chronicler.; Earlier she kept my abreast of family news as I lived far away for many years. When I dropped by on my infrequent visits, I could always count on her to call her sisters for a "get together". She believed that family was precious. She was the "glue" that held us together. I will miss her. A loving niece, Nancy
Wilma Robinson
Friday, June 26, 2009
Pam and family, what a great loss to your family with Mrs. Dorcas' passing. I knew her for several years, coming to store with your mom, after both husbands were gone. They had a special bond as sisters. God bless you all. Love, Wilma
Betty H. Estes
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I met Dorcas after her marriage to J.B. Measel. She was such a good help mate to J. B. Measle and Ohhh how we looked forward to seeing them when going near them. J. B. Measle was my pastor when I was in the 7-12 grades in School. He and Eva Me were so special to me during my schoolyears. We loved Joel Ray too. and Dorcas was so good to him/
Doris Hoffman Hutchins
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I remember my mom (Alta Hoffman of Vilonia) speaking fondly of Dorcas Measel. It was an honor to be involved in the last days of her life. My appreciation to the family for allowing me to be a part of her journey. Doris Hutchins, Odyssey Hospice Social Worker
Ron, Carolyn, Cody & Casie Franklin
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Aunt Dorcas was our very special aunt who meant the world to us. We will miss her very much, but we also look forward to the day we will get to be with her again. I have a smile on my face just thinking about all of our family members who are welcoming her to heaven.