Martha Lou "Thornhill" Simons

Martha Lou Simons passed from this life to life eternal on February 14, 2025, at the age of 78 at the Haven Nursing Center in Columbia following an extended illness. Martha lived a life of faith with dedication to children, community, church and family. 

Martha proudly served forty years in education in Caldwell Parish as a teacher, Supervisor of Secondary Education, Principal and Superintendent. She was a lifetime member of the Columbia Methodist Church where she was the choir director for more than 25 years. Martha was active in her community as the Director of the Schepis Foundation, Chair of the Historic Preservation, CASA volunteer, and a member of the Community Band. 

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Elsie Thornhill, and her brother, Jerry Thornhill. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Charles Simons; sister, Carol Canterbury; nephew, Chad Canterbury (Heather) and their daughters, Peyton and Campbell; sisters-in-law: Jane Thornhill, Hazel Derickson (Bert), Karen Simons (Thomas), Linda Martin (Sidney), and Karen Finley (Danny); along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Lou Simons (nee Thornhill) will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at the Columbia Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Columbia Hill Cemetery. The Simons Family will receive visitors on Monday at the church beginning at 11:30 AM. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Wesley Cruse, Will Springer, Tyler Finley, Matt Springer, Jackson McCann, Todd Crockett, Mark Meredith, Jr., and Drew Keahey. Honorary pallbearers are Russ Cummings, Charlie Mack Rowland, Willie Hines, Ronnie Darden, Mark Meredith, Sr., John McGibonney, and Reggie Watson.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.CASAofNELA.org/support or the “Yard Fund” at Columbia Methodist Church.