Marlene Simms Cummins, age 91, of Troy, IL, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, IL.

She was born on October 24, 1934, in East St. Louis, IL, to the late Theodore and Mildred (née Groh) Simms.

Marlene earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from McKendree College and dedicated many years of service to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church. She retired from the program staff where she assisted in areas of mission outreach, congregational development to name a few.  She also taught in public schools.

She was a faithful member of St. John United Methodist Church in Edwardsville.

She loved watching women's collegiate and professional basketball, reading, working jigsaw puzzles, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. Above all, she cherished attending her grandchildren's sporting events and spending time with her family, whom she loved deeply.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Wayne and James Simms, and three grandchildren, William, Elizabeth, and Rachel Koch.

She is survived by her three loving children: Cathy (Robert) Koch of New Athens, IL; Jackie (Jon) Snider of Troy, IL  and John (Lori) Cummins of Lebanon, IL; and She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Joshua (Kelly) Cummins, Ryan (Laurin) Cummins, Addison (Tia) Cummins, Evan Cummins, Carson Cummins, Nelson (Desirae) Cummins, Coleman Cummins, Jacob (Kaylee) Snider, and Jared (Sophia) Snider; and eight great-grandchildren: Lillian, Oliver, Jasper, Eleanor, Gwendelyn, Kenna, Elouise, and Audra, along with two nephews: David ( Julia) Simms and Bruce ( Marjie) Simms.

Marlene generously donated her body to Washington University School of Medicine for the advancement of science.

A memorial service will be held on Monday April 27th at St. Johns United Methodist church in Edwardsville, Il.  Visitation is from 9:00-11:00. Funeral at 11:00 am.

Memorials may be made in Marlene's honor to St. John United Methodist Church or Prospect Park United Methodist Church. Condolences and memorials may be received at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.