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.

Dale is remembered as a wise soul who lived with kindness, leadership, and love. She was proud of her hometown and won the Texas Rice Queen contest in 1965. She attended Christian College where she received an Associates degree, was Student Body President, and enjoyed being a part of Phi Theta Kappa. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin as a political science major and obtained a Certificate in Fundraising and a Certificate in Non – Profit Management. She went on to become CEO of many 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. She recently held the position of Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees at Columbia College in Columbia, MO., and was the president of the Columbia College Alumni Association.

Apart from her many professional accomplishments and accolades, Dale was a socialite who knew no stranger. She loved her family, cared about her community, and always had an open heart for anyone who needed help. Family and legacy were one of Dale’s most important values – showed by her willingness to put on Camp Simons for her grandchildren every summer. She had the ability to create magic in the mundane and was never in short supply of new traditions or bedazzled shoes. Dale was happiest when she was surrounded by all her loved ones and will always be remembered by her wonderful laughter and smile.

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.taylotbros.net