Shelley Dorothea Simmerman

Shelley Dorothea Simmerman, age 71, celebrated the faithful completion of a triumphant lifetime of faithfulness when she succumbed to a handicapping disease that took her life on February 18, 2026, and woke in the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Gospel Light Baptist Church (GLBC) in Baton Rouge, LA. She was also a member of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, and a loving wife and caring mother of six children. As a home maker, she homeschooled all six children from preschool through the 12th grade, while also supporting her husband as an active-duty veteran for 22 years. Shelley managed the estate as Chief Financial Officer of JS Stellar Group LLC which included real estate holdings in 8 different states until her disease prevented her from doing so. She was preceded into glory by her mother, Bette Laws Lefevre. Shelley is survived by her husband, Commander Jeff Simmerman, US Coast Guard (ret); her children, David Simmerman (Brandi) of Prairieville, LA, Sarah Simmerman (Jinn) of Baton Rouge, LA, James Simmerman of Baton Rouge, LA, Elizabeth Simmerman (Bradford Collins) of Columbia SC, Rebekah Simmerman of Baton Rouge, LA, and Joshua Simmerman (Ariana) of Cincinnati, OH; numerous grandchildren; her brothers, David Laws (Joyce) of Charlotte, NC, Rick Laws (Monica) of Charlotte, NC; and her sister, Patrice Murphy (Michael) of Fredericksburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, Shelley requested that donations be made to the Gospel Light Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, LA Building and Land fund. A church that she was involved in ministry and loved for over 20 years. Donations can be made by going online to: glbcbr.com/donation. Please specify your gift in the memo section for Building and Land Fund. A special thanks to the loving membership of Gospel Light Baptist Church and to Audubon Hospice who assisted in her care the last 18 months of her life.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at Gospel Light Baptist Church, 20440 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, February 27, 2026, beginning at 10 am with services to follow at 10:45 until 12 noon. Burial will follow in LA National Cemetery, Zachary, LA. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.