Betty Arnold Simmons

Betty Arnold Simmons, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, in Shenandoah, Texas, at the age of 97. She was born on September 21, 1928, in Camden, Arkansas, to Lester Arnold and Neva Farve Arnold.

Betty's childhood was one of resilience and adaptability. She moved frequently throughout southeastern Louisiana, often living with extended family and attending six different elementary schools and two middle schools before settling in Algiers, on the West Bank of New Orleans. There she graduated from Martin Behrman High School in 1945.

While planning a party for her sorority, Betty hired a local band and soon became captivated by its trombone player, Eric Simmons. Following a memorable courtship, the two were married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1948, beginning a remarkable marriage that would span more than 69 years.

Life with Eric brought many adventures and frequent moves. Their first son, Donald Eric, was born in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1951, followed by their second son, Thomas Doyle, in Mobile, Alabama, in 1954.

After both of her sons entered public school, Betty pursued a lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She earned her bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in New Orleans in 1964. Continuing her education as the family relocated once again, she received a master's degree from George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1966.

Throughout a distinguished career in education, Betty served in a variety of leadership roles while living in Louisville, Kentucky, and later returning to the New Orleans metropolitan area in 1973. Her positions included classroom teacher, department chair, curriculum advisor, board-level mathematics advisor, and ultimately elementary school principal. She was deeply committed to helping children learn and to supporting fellow educators, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.

Following her retirement, Betty and Eric moved to LaPlace, Louisiana, in 1997, where they embraced a slower pace of life. She delighted in watching golfers from her kitchen window, surrounded by music that filled her home and her heart. In 2016, they made one final move together, settling in The Woodlands, Texas, to enjoy their sunset years.

Betty is survived by her brother, Raymond Fink and his wife, Shirley; her sons, Donald Simmons and his wife, Anetha, and Thomas Simmons and his wife, Vicki; her four grandchildren, Michael, Ashley, Cristina, and Nicolas; and her great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many extended family members.

The graveside and inurnment service will take place at 12:30 PM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. Attendants will line up in Lane 1 by the cemetery front office, beginning at 12:15 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday afternoon, August 29, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula, 325 E. Pine Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454.  Gathering is at noon and the service is at 1pm.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation online or by mail to: American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061-0515.

Betty's life was defined by faith, perseverance, and a passion for education. She will be remembered for her love of music, her dedication to learning, and the quiet strength that carried her through nearly a century of life.