Jerry Reding Simmons

Jerry Reding Simmons of Baytown, Texas passed away on December 13, 2023 at age 76. She was born in Texas City, Texas on September 30, 1947 to Dorothy White Reding and Truett Ersal Reding. She graduated from Robert E Lee High School in Baytown, class of 1966. In 1970 she gave birth to her "beautimous" baby boy, Stephen Douglas Simmons, the joy of her life. In 1973 Jerry married Leonard Simmons, who adopted Stephen and anchored the loving family for many years. She had several other treasured relationships over the years, including long-term relationships with Larry Taylor and Ken Gunter (who would continue to be a close friend for the remainder of her days).

She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy Reding, father Truett Reding and brother Keith Reding as well as her beloved brother-in-law Robert Wingate. She is survived by her son Stephen Simmons and his wife Pam Simmons, sisters Trudy Nuce and Patricia Wingate, brother Ken Reding and his wife Lesa Reding along with many nieces, nephews and their children.

A homemaker most of her life, she enjoyed several interests including crafts, photography, scrapbooking, music, cooking and having a zest for life. Hobbies included crocheting, sewing, embroidery, and ceramics and she used these talents to make loved ones unique gifts, most of which she designed herself. She was quite detailed in most everything she did. One of her favorite activities was yardwork, particularly mowing. When she could no longer mow, she enjoyed sitting on her porch swing watching others mow. It relaxed her.

Jerry was a great cook and loved all manner of food. She had her own unique way of preparing dishes and was equally talented grilling outdoors. Other pastimes were reading, visiting the Texas City Dike, shooting pool and sharing good times with family and friends. She loved music and dancing and had the rhythm to prove it. She loved her family (immediate and extended). Jerry loved life and lived it on her own terms.

Final Resting Place

At Jerry's request, her earthly remains were cremated and her ashes were laid to rest at the end of the Texas City Dike on Feb 16, 2024, a location she lived very close to and enjoyed visiting for much of her life. A place that represented freedom in nature and enjoying the day, two things she thrived on.

Celebration of Life

Jerry's family and friends celebrated her life at a gathering at her sister Patricia's home in Baytown, Texas on February 17, 2024. Friends and relatives honored her memory through stories of their many experiences with her over the years. Life stories of generations past, sibling love and rivalry, special family bonds, relationships gained and lost and especially stories of her unique ways and personality.

Must see! Below, there are (5) two minute slideshow videos spanning her entire life. Scroll all the way down and start at the bottom.