The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Leona M. Simmons, 81 of Bridge City, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2013. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 11^th at Melancon’s Funeral Home at 1605 Avenue H Nederland, TX 77627. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Leona was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on October 20, 1931. Her parents were Hiram Clark Dubose and Evelyn Morgan Dubose.

Leona is survived by her children, David John Simmons and wife Candace Simmons, Patrick Morgan Simmons and wife Suzanne Simmons, and daughter, Lisa Leanne Simmons. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lindsey Simmons, Harrison Tatum, Grant Tatum, Elisabeth Tatum, Jackson Simmons, Eddie Lindo, Eric Simmons, Samantha Simmons, and Austin Simmons. She is also survived by her brother, John Dubose and wife Joyce Dubose of Bridge City.

Leona was an outstanding lady who never shied from a challenge. She became the first single person in Texas to adopt a child. About two years later she adopted a second child.

Leona met and married Olan T. Simmons in April of 1973. Together they adopted a third child. They raised all three children until Olan’s death in 1999.

Leona graduated from Texas Woman’s University and became a Speech Therapist. Later, she earned a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Pittsburg. She served as director of Sunnyside Speech and Hearing until taking a teaching position with PNGISD. Leona served at PNG schools until her retirement in 1997.

Leona leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who have fond memories of her influence on their lives. She was known by many names in her lifetime, mom to her children, maw maw to her grandchildren, ta ta to a little brother who could not say sister, and Mae Mae to a niece that could not say Aunt Leona. She was loved and will be missed by many.

Details and registry available at Melancons.org.