Mary Lou Simmons (1938-2026)

Mary was born January 21, 1938, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Jack and Dorothy Archerd. She passed away on June 21, 2026.

Mary attended Holdenville High School, where she was active in many activities. She was a cheerleader and a member of the famous Elkette drill team. They marched in parades such as Macy’s in New York City, as well as the Rose Bowl.

Mary was an achiever. She began working at the age of 15 at the local movie theater, where she sold tickets. It was at this theater where she met a young man who later (not much) became her husband. She was going to get him a date with her friend but ended up dating him instead. She was 18, and he was 21 when they were married. John became her husband and the love of her life for 70 years.

Mary attended East Central University and the University of Tulsa. She was also a graduate of the Southern Methodist University School of Banking. Mary began her banking career in Ada, Oklahoma, and this continued after they moved to Tulsa. She was employed by the Farmers and Merchants Bank, working in the mail room. She soon became a new accounts secretary.

Shortly after the move to the new accounts position, she became the bank’s first female officer. Through the years, she advanced to become a senior vice president in charge of operations.

She loved to read and travel, and she belonged to many organizations, such as the Silver Service Club, the Antique Club, the Rotary Club, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy Archerd. She is survived by her husband John, son Scott and his wife Suzanne, son Keith and his wife Laurie, and her grandsons Dylan, Jake, Heath, and Sean. She also is survived by dear friends Jack and La-Neill Bloom, as well as many others.