Helen Dale Simons, 81, of Driftwood, TX, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was born April 8, 1945, in Bay City, TX., to the late Mickey Coe and Helen Elizabeth Cates Neary.

She was raised in Bay City Tx, where she was crowned Queen of the Rice Festival contest in 1965, by the Lions Club. Dale met the love of her life (James K. Simons) in High-school and they have been married for 58 years. She attended Columbia College, in Missouri, where she received her Associates degree. Dale was Student Body President, and enjoyed being a part of Phi Theta Kappa sorority. She recently held the position of Chairman on the Board of Trustees, and obtained the status of president of the Alumni Association. She then went on to attend the University of Texas, in Austin, as a political science major and obtained a Certificate in Fundraising and a Certificate in Non Profit Management. She then went on to become CEO of multiple non profits, such as The Volunteer Center of Longview, the Regional Community Foundation, and the East Texas Treatment Center. She also served as a board member for over 30 non-profit organizations: local, national, and international. She was founder and president of the Elizabeth Simons Award beginning in 1997, as well as, the Managing Partner of H. Neary Ventures, Ltd.

Apart from her many professional accomplishments and accolades, Dale was a socialite who knew no stranger. She loved her family, was involved in her community, and always had an open heart for anyone who needed help. Dale lived her life selflessly, as she always put everyone before herself. Family and legacy were one of Dale’s most important values. For multiple summers she would gather the cousins together and host Camp Simons, where all of her grandkids would learn about God. She made everyone feel included, and always set her eyes on what really mattered in life. Dale was a devout christian, and her life showed it. She put Christ as first in her life, and he led her to complete her purpose. She held all the fruits of spirit, and had an impact in many’s people lives. She was raised in the St Marks episcopal church in Bay City, by her mother Helen Cates Neary. Dale and Elizabeth’s favorite bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV) 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Helen Elizabeth Simons. Survivors include Dr. James K. Simons (husband); Dr. Bryan C. Simons (son), John S. Simons (son); and Elaine Simons (daughter-in-law); eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Bay City. Funeral Services will begin at 2:00 pm with Rev. William T. Bullard of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Palacios, Texas officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers for Helen will be Dr. Bryan C. Simons, John S. Simons, Dr. Zackery Simons (grandson), Mason Simons (grandson), Gene Coe (brother) and Anthony Doubek (friend). 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Elizabeth Award at Columbia College, which is given annually to a distinguished graduating senior who has outstanding accomplishments in leadership, volunteerism and community service. my.ccis.edu/givenow

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net