And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Edna "Ms. Marie" Vital Simon, the daughter of the late Mary Ann Vital entered into peaceful eternity on Monday, August 10, 2020.  A life-long resident of Welsh, LA.  She received her education through Welsh Elementary, Welsh-Roanoke Junior High, and Welsh High School.  She was 1983 graduate of Welsh High School where she was in the top five of her class.  She received the W. P. Buck Scholarship.  Marie continued her education at McNeese State University where she earned her Bachelor and Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.  Upon completing her Bachelor's Degree, Marie joined the teaching staff of James Ward Elementary, where she taught for 32-years. In 1997, Marie was awarded Teacher of The Year at James Ward Elementary.

Marie was a life-long devoted member of Jones United Methodist Church where she accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. Over the years, she served in several capacities with the church, including Church & Financial Secretary, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Laity, Member of the Chancel Choir, Member of the Trustee Board & Finance Committee, Pastor Parish Relations Committee, Jones Methodist Women's Society.  Not only was she to God, she was also a devoted wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend to those whom she touched.

Marie leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband, Ivory L. Simon of Welsh, LA; two loving sisters, Cecelia Mae Vital of Welsh, LA and Dr. Mary Alice Trent of Marion, Indiana; one brother, Nathan J. Trent, Jr. (Elmira) of Welsh, LA; one aunt, Mrs. Georgia Trent of Welsh, LA; cousin, Mrs. Sandra Harmon of Welsh, LA; Godfather, Ernest Bell Gray of Lake Charles, LA; four sister-in-law's, Sonja Thorne (Calvin) of Hitchcock, TX, Brenella Simon of Welsh, LA, Kim Vital (Terry) of Huntsville, AL, and Nicole Simon of Welsh, LA; four brother-in-law's, Clarence Ray Simon, Jr (Carolyn) Lake Arthur/Jennings, LA, James Lionel Simon (Jennifer)  and Stephon Romain Simon both of Welsh, LA, and Craig Anthony Simon (Lucille) of Lake Charles, LA; two godchildren, Taylar Joseph and Kierrah Carmen; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, genuine friends, and the James Ward Elementary School Family of Jennings, LA.

Marie was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann Vital; three uncles, Nathan J. Trent, Sr., Adam Trent, and Mathew Trent; two aunts, Edna Johnson Charles and Yvonne Cole Trent; mother-in-law, Doris "Mamee" Simon; father-in-law, Clarence "Pappe" Simon, Sr.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020, in Jones United Methodist Church, 203 N King St, Welsh, LA 70591.  Pastor Monica Monk will officiate.  Visitation will be in the church from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in the Oaklawn Cemetery in Welsh, LA under the direction of Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings.