Mary Simmons Woodard, 88, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2017. She will be dearly missed by her family and loved ones. Mary was born on January 11, 1929 to Dahl and Daisy Easley Simmons in Porter, Oklahoma. She was the fifth of nine children. Mary grew up on a farm where she and her siblings were loved and required to work together to maintain upkeep of their land. It was during these formative years that Mary developed the lifelong attributes of hard work and unwavering love of her family.

Mary began her career working for the postal service in Porter Oklahoma. She later worked for the postal service in Taft, Oklahoma before becoming a long time employee of the Taft State Hospital, which later became Oklahoma Children's Center. Mary retired from the Dept. of Human Services with more than 30 years of service for the State of Oklahoma.

Mary met and married Ollie Woodard in October of 1958. They remained happily married until his passing in 2005. To this 47-year union two daughters were born.

Mary was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and one-of-a-kind grandmother also known as Granny Mom to her grandchildren. Mary's exceptional love for children was displayed throughout her life. Although illness took most of her voice she could still be found sharing a smile and a kind interaction with a child. Mary lived her entire life with truth, sincerity and a desire to help those around her. With boundless loyalty, she was a fierce protector and caregiver of those she loved.

Mary was a dedicated servant of Jehovah. She was a member of the Muskogee congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 40 years. Sharing the good news of God's kingdom with others brought her the greatest joy.

Mary is survived by her daughters Ollindia (Buddy) Shannon, Mary (Carl) Brown, grandchildren, Jarrod (Amanda) Roberts, Carmell (Chris) Best, Michael Woodard, Tracey Sealy, Nicholas ( Brittnei) Brown, Mariah Brown, great grandchildren Danessa, Dylan, Crystal, Chris, Jonah, Carlee and Arya, brother Joe D. Simmons, sister Daisy Ransom and special cousin Jayne B. Gaines. Her dear sister Lorene Andrews passed away on the morning of Monday, November 06, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dahl and Daisy Simmons and siblings Willa Dean Simmons, Lena Williams, Elnora Cozart, Alveron Parker, Nannie Surratt and Reuben Simmons.

Mary is also survived by her cousin, Brenda Barnett and by family friend Shirl McBride. Both, loved and cared for her for many years. Words cannot express our gratitude for their devotion to Mary.

Services for Mrs. Woodard are scheduled Friday, November 10, 2017, 11:00 a.m., Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 2740 S. 32 ^nd St, Muskogee, OK.  Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, OK.

Visitation will be Thursday, 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home & Cremations.