Florence M. Fitzsimmons

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Florence M. Fitzsimmons, 80, of Du Quoin, passed away at 10:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2009, at her home.

Florence was a homemaker. She assisted her husband the Rev. Dennis E. Fitzsimmons in the ministry of the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin for the past 25 years. She was a member of the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin and had been an active choir member.

She was born July 8, 1928 at Mounds, the daughter of Ruth Calvin Daniels.

Florence married Dennis E. Fitzsimmons on Feb. 13, 1953, at Benton, and he survives.

She is survived by her husband of Du Quoin; son, Steve Fitzsimmons of Eldorado; daughter, Denise Sargent and husband Daryl of Eldorado; two grandsons, Jeremy Sargent and wife Rachel of Herrin and Jonathan Sargent and wife Bridgette of Du Quoin; and great-grandson, Ethan Sargent of Du Quoin.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin with the Rev. Jack Ross officiating. Friends may call after 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin. Burial with graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, at Wolf Creek Cemetery at Eldorado. The Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

Friends may make memorials to the Gospel Assembly Church in Du Quoin, which will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, you may visit the Internet site www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.