Melba, age 87 of Bunkie, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 1, 2024.  Visitation will be held at Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 9th.  Funeral services for Melba will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 10th at the David Haas United Methodist Church with Rev. Joe Hoover officiating.   Pre-service visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 until the service begins.   Burial will follow in the Pythian Cemetery.

Melba was a graduate of Many High School and was a graduate of Northwestern State University as a Laboratory Technologist.  She served the people of Bunkie in that capacity with grace and dignity.

She was an active member in her community serving in civic organizations to help make Bunkie a better place for all.  Being a staunch advocate for people with disabilities was a passion that brought her cause to the steps of the state capitol.  She was a talented artist, excellent cook and gracious hostess.  Melba enjoyed tending to her flowers, painting and helping others.  She adored her immediate and extended family. Being blessed with many children, grandchildren and great-grands brought her much joy.  They loved listening to her stories, her shared advice and bits of wisdom.  She was loved and admired by many.

She is preceded in death by her husband; Ray E. Simmons, Jr.; a daughter, Laura Katherine Simmons; her parents, Cassius and Willie Mae Ferguson; and sisters, Mildred F. Gauthier and Marguerite F. Finster.

Survivors include her children:  Deborah S. Kendrew and husband Chuck of Brooks, GA; Susan S. Gerik and husband Darrell of San Antonio; TX, Allison S. Smith and husband Greg of DeRidder; and Stephen M. Simmons and wife Melissa of Pine Prairie; 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hixson-Ducote Funeral Home of Bunkie.   Online condolences may be sent to www.hixson-ducote.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Community Homes, 347 Browns Bend Road, Alexandria, Louisiana 71303 or online at olshomes.org