Birth date: Oct 7, 1943 Death date: Dec 8, 2025
Vanda Lee Simmons, age 82, passed from this life on December 8, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on October 7, 1943, in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Vanda was the beloved daughter of Wayman and Elanor Fry. She grew up with a strong Read Obituary
Later Years with the Grandkids
Cooking, Baking, and Fun in the Kitchen
Sports Fan!
Adventures and Travels
Fun with Lots of Friends!
Celebrating a Young Family Together...
Honoring the life of the most amazing woman I have ever known. Please join us in celebrating her life and years of service at a Memorial Celebration at First Presbyterian Church, 709 S Boston Ave, Tulsa, OK 74119, on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:00 am. Reception will follow the ceremony in the Miller Library.
Celebrating Marriage and Other Adventures
Celebrating her Younger Years
We celebrate and honor the radiant life of Vanda Lee Simmons, a compassionate soul, creative mind, and dedicated servant of her community. Born in Blackwell, Oklahoma on October 7, 1943, Vanda was a woman of immense talent, a beacon of light who brought warmth, knowledge, and joy to all those fortunate enough to know her.
Vanda’s family moved to Missouri when she was young, but they moved back to Blackwell during her senior year in high school. She was very active in many clubs and activities in high school, including Student Council, secretary/treasurer of the National Honor Society, Science Club, Band, Journalism, and the Girls Quartet. Vanda graduated from Blackwell High School in Oklahoma in 1961, and attended Northern Community College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma before earning her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Interior Design from the University of Oklahoma in 1965.
Vanda married her college sweetheart, Terrill Simmons, on June 10, 1966 after falling in love when he was assigned by his football coach to help her turn the pages of her piano music during a performance of South Pacific. She worked as a medical illustrator for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. They had many adventures together moving around the country to New York, where she worked as medical photographer, and also lived in Texas, and Georgia, before settling back in Tulsa in 1976 to raise their children. She and Terrill also owned a home in Arizona, where they have spent their winters since 2008.
Vanda’s creativity was exhibited in her love of music, including the harpsicord, oboe, and flute, but especially the piano. She was an amazing pianist, and her music always filled the house as the children were growing up. She also loved cooking, baking, art, reading, interior decorating, and gardening, Vanda was a wellspring of talent and passion. She served for many years with the Lee Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, and as PTA President, where all three of her children attended school. She also served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, OK, and with Helping Hands and Meals on Wheels, reflecting her dedication to her community and service to others.
Vanda's legacy lies not only in her personal accomplishments but in the profound impact she made on the lives of others. Her love for her family and home was demonstrated in the beautiful home she kept, and the countless sacrifices she made to help her family have a more comfortable life. She will be fondly remembered by her friends and family for all of her beautiful holiday decorations, especially her extensive Nutcracker collection. She loved animals, especially cats, but was also dedicated to helping her children raise their dogs and horses, and even hamsters and a baby duck! As Victor Hugo once said, "To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life." Vanda loved deeply and was deeply loved in return.
Vanda is proceeded in death by her father Wayman, her mother Eleanor, and her brother Marvin. She is survived by her loving husband, Terrill Simmons; her children, Steve, Tara (Matt), and Shannon (Jarrett); and her grandchildren, Madison and Scarlett, as well as her sister (Mary Anne), and numerous family and friends. Vanda leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
We invite you to share your cherished memories and photos of Vanda on her memorial page at: https://www.floralhaven.com/obituaries/vanda-simmons
and also during the reception in Miller Library. She touched so many lives, and your stories will help us all remember the incredible woman she was. May her melody continue to play on in our hearts.
