Tommie Blackbourne Simmons

Tommie Blackbourne Simmons, 92, of Caddo Parish, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024. Born in Longview, Texas, to Tom B. Blackbourne and Esta Mae Morris Blackbourne, Tommie was a gifted artist and a dedicated high school art teacher for over 30 years, inspiring generations with her passion for creativity.

A graduate of Northwestern State University with a degree in Art Education, Tommie furthered her studies with a master’s from North Texas State University. She was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma and an accomplished artist whose work was exhibited across the South and West, including at The Huntington Library Art Museum in California. Her pieces continue to bring beauty to private collections.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Melvin E. Simmons, Jr.; her brother, David Norman Blackbourne; and sister, Jennie Blackbourne Moyer. She is lovingly remembered by her nieces, Jana Blackbourne Smith of Conroe, Texas, and Marion Moyer Browne of Mesa, Arizona; along with numerous great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, located at Rose-Neath Southside, officiated by Dr. Carl Rhoads. A private interment will follow at the Columbarium at First Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Tommie's memory.

Tommie’s legacy lives on in the art she created, the students she inspired, and the love she shared with family and friends.