Maria Wilhelmina Rosine Naujoks was born January 27th, 1947 to Maria and Walter Naujoks, in Geldersheim, Germany. She was sixth in line to ten siblings; nine brothers and one sister.

She came to America in August of 1966 with her husband, Clifford Simmons and began their union in Killeen, TX. From this union three children were born.

Years later after divorcing she met William Mathis and welcomed her last two children into the world.

In 1983 Maria relocated to Waco, TX. This is where her working career began cooking in various coffee shops. Through the years, she enjoyed cooking for her family and added that touch of German soul. Her most famous dish was her potato salad, which we all loved. She was a stranger to no one and found great purpose in sharing her stories of her small store in "The Manors", where she was known as "The Candy Lady" or "Cool-cup Lady". She would cook for almost anybody that she came in contact with. Her generosity continued until she was called home to begin her journey of now feeding the Angels. She also had years of service with the Public-School Transportation as the bus driver's aide until leaving and moving to Houston in 1995 with her daughter Heidi. In 2006, she made her last relocation to Dallas, TX where she remained until she was called home.

Maria was a strong fighter, but she is now free from pain and entered into eternal rest on September 24, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings: Otto, Ewald, Bruno, Wolfi and Reinhart.

She leaves to cherish: three daughters; Caroline Flath, Veronica Veltman (Steve) and Heidi Thompson (Ralph); two sons Johnny Simmons (Beverly) and William Simmons (Karen); twenty-one grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She touched the lives of so many people. She will truly be missed and will never, ever, be forgotten.