Mary V. Simkins died peacefully at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 91 years of age. She was born in Rogersville, TN, one of ten children to James and Lida Shanks. She was preceded in death by her husband Cyril, and by all of her brothers and sisters. Mary was married to Cyril in 1940. She served with her husband as pastor in five Christian Churches. She and Cyril were also missionaries in Zimbabwe and Ghana for 5 years and also served in a short term mission in Austria and Romania. They received the "Honored Servant" award from Johnson Bible College and also a faithful service award from the National Church Growth Institute in Washington, D.C.

Mary is survived by three children: Ron (Donna) Simkins of Urbana, Jim (Sheryl) Simkins of Bloomington, and Mary Ann Offenstein of Champaign, seven grandchildren: Cyndi Burch, Karyn Hunt, David Simkins, Steve Simkins, Bryan Simkins, Megan Peterson and Keri Offenstein and seven great grandchildren: Ashley Will, Kevin Burch, Mari Hunt, Mychael Hunt, Layken Simkins, Parker Simkins and Sawyer Simkins. She was a member of Windsor Road Christian Church in Champaign. The memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to Johnson Bible College; 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.