Beth Erny Simmons

Beth Erny Simmons, 99, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020, wife of the late John C. Simmons, Jr., was born in New Orleans and was a long-time resident of Metairie. She was the daughter of the late John Erny, Jr. and the late Ina Victoria Hancock. Beth married John C. Simmons, Jr. on June 20, 1954 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Metairie; and they were married for 45 years until John’s death in 1999. She is survived by their children, Erny G. Simmons (Karen) and Deborah Simmons Riche’ (Roy), and their grandchildren Patrick Simmons, Sloane Simmons, Nicole Riche’ Kindschuh (Kristopher) and Shawn Riche’ (Amber). Beth also is survived by three great-grandchildren, Kadence Kindschuh, Braxton Riche’ and Nolan Riche’. She is survived by her sister Estelle Erny Ducote, and was predeceased by her sisters, Frances Erny and Gloria Erny Jeanfreau, and by her brothers, John J. Erny and Irvin C. Erny. Beth also is survived by a host of loving nieces and nephews in both the Erny and Simmons families. Beth was a devout Catholic, and served as an usher at St. Edward the Confessor Church, along with her husband John, and continued to do so after his death. Beth was a devoted wife, loving mother, and a kind and compassionate friend. She had many special friendships, among them the late Claire and Charles Larsen, and her neighbor Debbie Olavarrieta, who survives her. Beth was a long-time member of the Metairie Terrace Homemakers Club, and had a career with McCrory’s Department Store as a window trimmer until she married and focused her attention on home and family. She had been a clerk at McCrory’s and later became a window trimmer after a co-worker told her she could never do that job. Beth was a fabulous cook and baker, with a great memory for stories about the past, which she related in astonishing detail. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Services were private.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com