Jeanette Sue (Spears) Simmons

Jeanette Sue (Spears) Simmons passed away after a five-year battle with Leukemia on Monday, April 18, 2022, in Houston, TX at the age of 60. Jeanette was born January 12, 1962 in Lima, OH, to Cora and Earl Spears. She lived her early years in Delphos, OH and graduated from Delphos High School in 1980. She then moved to Waxahachie to attend Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Jeanette completed her college education at the University of Houston – Clear Lake, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Jeanette first met her future husband Thomas in Waxahachie, while Thomas was attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University. They met again a few years later and the rest is history. Jeanette and Thomas were married in Delphos on June 10, 1989, and they would have celebrated their 33rd anniversary this summer. They have two children, Kirsten Bailey Paddock and Jared Thomas Simmons, and one granddaughter, Nora.

Jeanette always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and she realized her dream when Bailey was born. During that time, she also decided to return to college to complete her education while juggling being a full-time mom. Ten years later she graduated from the University of Houston – Clear Lake with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Three days before Jared’s first day of school, Jeanette got a call from the principal of San Jacinto Elementary School, and she was hired on the spot as a kindergarten teacher. She loved decorating her classroom at the beginning of each school year to make it a welcoming place for her new students. She devoted her life to teaching the kids in her classroom and made sure that the children would leave her class with a solid foundation. Jeanette taught kindergarten and first grade during her almost fifteen-year career at San Jacinto Elementary in Deer Park, TX. She had to resign from teaching when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. She did get to return for a short time to tutor students, and she was so pleased for this opportunity.

Jeanette and Thomas have attended CT Church in Houston since 1988 where they have faithfully served in ministries with children and youth. Even after Jeanette got sick, their faith in God stayed strong, and they never doubted that God would heal her. Neither one of them ever asked “Why me?” We will never know how many cancer patients, doctors, and nurses Jeanette touched with her sweet smile, kindness, and words of encouragement. Despite all her hospital visits, she never complained and was always happy to be with family and friends—whether it was Christmas, a baby reveal party for her first grandbaby, a birthday party or just a get together. Her focus was never on herself but always on those with her. Her immediate family saw what she had to endure and considered her a “warrior” as she fought her illness with courage and grace. She was a Godly woman who loved the Lord and loved His Word. She was so thankful that her church was online and that she could listen to the sermons when she couldn’t attend church. God is faithful and she is now healed and sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her father Earl Spears, her sister Brenda Spears Wetherington, and her father- and mother-in-law Herbert and Betty Simmons. She is survived by her loving husband Thomas Simmons; mother Cora Spears; daughter Kirsten Bailey Simmons Paddock (Kyle Paddock); son Jared Thomas Simmons; granddaughter Nora Jean Paddock; sister Sally Spears Martin (Joe Martin); brother Lindell Spears (Susan Spears); and sisters- and brothers-in-law Janet and Russ Adams, Douglas and P.B. Simmons, and Russell and Jene Simmons. Also left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

With God’s grace and in his timing, we will all be reunited again. Praise be to God for His Faithfulness!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Simmons family.