Marilyn Simmons of Winter Park, FL, passed away on March 5, 2026, at her home at Westminster Winter Park. She was born on August 31, 1931, in Montrose, CO, the fourth child of Robert and Ella Harris. At age five, Marilyn moved with her family to Vero Beach, Florida, where her father worked in citrus. Marilyn graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in education including a minor in music. At FSU Marilyn studied under renowned Hungarian pianist Professor Ernst von Dohnanyi. She was active in the campus Westminster Fellowship where she met her future husband, J. Thomas Simmons. They married in 1954 and celebrated 70 years of marriage before Tom’s death in 2025.

Following graduation from college, Marilyn taught elementary school in Fort Lauderdale. After marrying, Marilyn cared for her children Nancy, J. Thomas III, and David. In 1968 Marilyn began her long career as an early childhood educator, first at First Congregational Church of Winter Park Preschool. She became the director of the preschool and remained at FCCWP until 1976. Following a family move to Bay Village, OH, Marilyn continued her teaching career in church-based preschools. Returning to Winter Park in 1979, Marilyn began teaching at the Methodist School for Early Education at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park. She became Director of MSEE, a position she held until her retirement in 1994. Marilyn sought the highest levels of excellence in her preschools, including accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). While at MSEE, Marilyn led the school through the church’s construction of a new school building and playground facilities.

In retirement, Marilyn and Tom enjoyed travel. At Westminster Winter Park, Marilyn rekindled her love of piano by playing the Clavinova keyboard. Ever the educator, Marilyn found great meaning in volunteering with the Adult Literacy League, assisting adults learn to read. Marilyn was a devoted Presbyterian and served as a ruling elder at Park Lake Presbyterian Church and was an active member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church.

Family was always central in Marilyn’s life. She is survived by her children Nancy (Dr. Bob) Ferguson, J. Thomas III (JoAnn) Simmons, and Dr. David (Rev. Linda) Simmons; grandchildren Hayley (Rev. Dave) Abney, Megan (Tommy) Ciserano, Patrick (Jacqueline) Ferguson, Jason (Sara) Bailey, Justin (Dr. Taylor) Simmons, Mary Ella Simmons, and Eric Simmons; great-grandchildren Houston and Hart Abney; Elizabeth, Dominic, and Andrew Ciserano; Alexandra and Easton Bailey; and Kate, Annie, Ella, and Jack Simmons.

Marilyn’s life will be celebrated in a memorial service Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10:00 am at Park Lake Presbyterian Church, 309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando. Memorial gifts may be given to the Park Lake Presbyterian Church Child Care Center, the Winter Park Presbyterian Preschool, or the Methodist School for Early Education.

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

--Proverbs 31:26