Martha Mack Simons died on July 6, 2015. She was born on January 16, 1923, in Thomasville, Georgia, the daughter of Kent Eugene and Lily Williams Mack. Martha was a beloved mother, grandmother and special friend to many, and she will be deeply missed.

A service to celebrate Martha's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, at St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church in Columbia. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Martha graduated from Thomasville High School, where she was Valedictorian of the Class of 1941. She also graduated from Agnes Scott College and was president of the Class of 1945. Martha was listed in the "Who's Who in American Colleges."

On April 6, 1946, she was married to Henry M. Simons, Jr., when he returned from serving in the 78th "Lightning" Division Field Artillery during World War II. They lived for a time in Clemson, South Carolina, where she added more courses to her degree in English. She accompanied Henry to the University of Maryland, where he completed graduate work and later to Nashville and Atlanta, when he served as Southeastern Editor for two magazines.

In 1957 the family moved to Charlotte, where Henry was with Wachovia Bank. The two of them helped start St. John's Episcopal Church, where they were very active for 10 years. She participated in the choir, taught Sunday School and was president of the Episcopal Church Women.

For the past 40 years, they lived in Columbia, where they were active in St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on the Altar Guild Flower Committee, chaired the kitchen and flower committee and served on the Vestry and Churchyard Committee. Martha also completed studies in the Education for Ministry distance learning program through the School of Theology, University of the South at Sewanee.

During this time she worked for 13 years in the library at Spring Valley High School. When she retired she became interested in garden club work and served as president of DIA, the Iris Garden Club and the Garden Club Council of Greater Columbia. She became a Nationally Accredited Master Flower Show Judge and participated in many symposiums, flower shows and workshops. She was also on the Board of the Symphony League for the South Carolina Philharmonic.

Her husband, Henry M. Simons, Jr., died on November 28, 2007. They leave behind four children: Henry M. Simons, III, and wife Carol of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Jane M. Simons of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Lillian Simons Coleman and husband John D. Coleman, III, of Florence, South Carolina; and William Marshall Simons of Montgomery, Alabama. There are eight grandchildren: William Henry Simons and wife Kristy of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Noelle Simons Rowe and husband Brandon of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Keating Coleman Lowery and husband Patrick of Memphis, Tennessee; Lillian Marshall Coleman Newton and husband Clarke of Columbia, South Carolina; Shealy Simons Washington and husband Eddie of Savannah, Georgia; William Marshall Simons, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and John Dozier Coleman, IV of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There are three great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a brother, Kent E. Mack, Jr. and his wife and daughter, Maude and Eleanor.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at The Palmettos of Parklane for their loving care and support.

Memorials may be made to St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 6408 Bridgewood Road, Columbia, SC 29206; Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Ave., Decatur, GA, 30030; or a charity of your choice. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.