Valerie Denise Simmons

Valerie Denise Simmons, age 49, passed from her earthly life peacefully on Sunday morning February 1, 2026, at her home in Newton Texas. Valerie began her earthly life on January 3, 1977, and she began her eternal journey on the early morning of Feb. 1,2026. She was a person of great faith and belief in God. Her life was founded on that faith which she happily shared with all who knew her. 

Valerie leaves to cherish her memory, husband Badley Simmons, daughter, Maggie Grace Simmons, son, Cody Sims parents David and Nancy Darlene Bishop, Sisters, Laurie Greer and husband Mike, Brenda Addison and husband Andy. A special niece, Erin Greer and nephew Nolan Greer and many other nieces, nephews and extended family and many friends. 

Valerie was preceded in death by her dear and very special daughter Carli Grace Simmons. Carli’s death while tragic led Valerie to establish Carli’s Butterfly Wishes Foundation to assist those affected by childhood cancer. She became friends and comforted many of the families facing similar battles at Texas Children’s hospital. Valerie was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Edward Dickerson and Ima Jean Dickerson Smith and paternal grandparents Bill and Ethel Bishop. 

Her love for children led her to teach school for several years. She spent many years working with her dad for Bishop Water Well. Recently Valerie and her husband became co-owners of Simmons Precision Drilling. God had blessed her with a beautiful voice; she loved to sing and touched many with her talent. Her love of music has been and will continue to be an inspiration. Valerie was an active member of the Jasper Cowboy Church where her voice was heard on many occasions.

Valerie loved all her friends and family in a very special way, but she also loved her animals from big to little especially horses and mules. Valerie loved to travel with family and friends. Her love for the outdoors and nature saw her taking trips to enjoy God’s beautiful world and experience new places. The mountains were always calling!

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, First Baptist Church of Newton Texas at 1:00 PM with Chet Strain and Andy Addison officiating under the direction of Smith’s Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Bradley Simmons, Cody Sims, Nolan Greer, Keith Allen, Tracey White, and Wes Wyatt. Burial will follow at Old Union Cemetery. A visitation will be held Thursday February 5, 2026, at Smith Funeral Home, Newton Texas from 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Pee Wee (Billy Rex) Greer of Kirbyville, Texas was born November 2, 1956 in Jasper, TX. Pee Wee passed away in his sleep Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Kirbyville, TX.

Pee Wee was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Lois Greer of Newton, TX. and brother, Kenny (Kenneth) Greer also of Newton, TX.

Pee Wee was a longtime carpenter of East Texas area. His favorite past time, was wearing the camo and hunting the big buck.

Survivors are his brothers, Carl and June Greer and Danny Greer of Newton, TX; nephews, Mike Greer, Tommy Greer, Kent Greer, Gannon Greer, and Tucker Greer all of Newton County, Tx, Logan Greer and Linka Greer of Houston area; also a special friend , Kim Hawthorne of Kirbyville, Tx.

A private Family Memorial will be held at a later date. 

Athena Gail Bailey, born November 7, 1956, in Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love and quiet grace.

On May 8, 1976, Athena married Tommy Walker, her devoted husband of nearly fifty years. Together they built a beautiful family, raising four children who were wrapped in her unwavering affection and nurturing spirit.

She found profound joy in her ten grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with gentle hugs, bedtime stories, and the kind of unconditional love that lingers forever.

Athena had a deep love for children that shaped much of her life. She spent many years working in Sunday Schools, where her patience and warmth created a safe haven for little ones. Her days were filled with the sweet chaos of tiny hands and bright smiles, and she cherished every moment teaching them about Jesus.

An avid reader, Athena often lost herself in the pages of a good book, finding solace and inspiration in stories of hope and kindness. She was never without a novel close at hand, and her love of reading was a quiet comfort she shared with those around her.

No gathering was complete without Athena’s homemade cheesecake, offered with a smile and served with love. It was her way of showing care—simple, sweet, and heartfelt.

Athena possessed a true servant’s heart. She helped anyone in need without hesitation or expectation, offering a listening ear, a helping hand, or a comforting presence.

She never met a stranger; to her, every person was a friend waiting to be embraced. Her warmth and kindness illuminated every room she entered, touching hearts and spreading gentleness that was truly contagious.

Athena is survived by her beloved husband Tommy, their four children, ten cherished grandchildren, and countless others whose lives she brightened with her open heart.

She taught us to love deeply, give freely, and find joy in the everyday. We will miss her dearly, but her light lives on in every act of kindness we share.

Services will be held at Boma Church of God in Boma, Tennessee, on February 15 at 3:00 p.m., and at Grace Bible Church in Newton, Texas, on February 28 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Athena’s honor to assist the family with funeral expenses by contacting the business office of Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home at (931) 268-1550.

Kenneth Edward Smith, 52, of Newton, Texas passed away on January 29, 2026 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. He was born on August 30, 1973 in Kirbyville, Texas.

Kenneth was a hard working man who spent many years as a truck driver, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. He faced many health challenges throughout his life, meeting each one with resilience and determination. Though he fought bravely, he ultimately lost his battle with illness.

He is survived by his loving mother, Mildred Smith of Newton, his spouse, Tracy Smith of Newton, his daughters Shelby Smith Gilbert and husband, Garrett of Newton, Chloe Smith Dillon of Merryville, Louisiana, Jordan Elliott of Newton and Paula Hill and husband, Michael of Newton. He is also survived by his sisters, Malinda Ortolon and husband, Randy of Newton and Pam Davis and husband, Sonny of Newton.

Kenneth was a proud grandfather to Bryndlen, Remington, Olivia, Braxton and Kinsley who brought him great joy. He also leaves behind six nieces and nine nephews, along with many extended family members and

friends who will miss him deeply.

Kenneth will be remembered for his perseverance, his love for his family and his strength in the face of adversity.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Monday February 2, 2026 at Ford Cemetery in Newton, Texas. Visitation will be Monday from 11:00 am until service time. 

Cynthia "Cindy" Keefer Polson, age 73, passed away on January 23rd, 2026, in Missouri City, Texas. She was born on November 21st, 1952, in Bryan, Texas to Levoughn James Keefer and Helen Thames Keefer.

Cindy lived a life defined by love, service, and faith. She was a devoted daughter, sister, loving wife, mother, and cherished "Nana Puddin'" to her growing family. She was a graduate of East Texas Baptist College and dedicated many years to homeschooling her 5 children and later sharing her knowledge with countless others as an educator at Angelina College in Jasper, Texas. Cindy also gave generously of her time as a volunteer with Christian Women's Job Corps and as a foster mother with Buckner Children and Family Services, opening her heart and home to many.

Above all else, Cindy was a devoted follower of Jesus and her faith guided every aspect of her life.

She is survived by her children: daughter Sarah and husband John Macoy of Florence, MS; son James Polson and wife Hannah of Missouri City; daughter Naomi and husband Matthew Quick of Muenster; daughter Anna and husband Chris Evans of League City; daughter Bethany and husband Tiago Korynek of Leeds, England; her sister Catherine and husband Tracy Speed of Lumberton; 17 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Cindy was welcomed into Heaven by her parents and her beloved husband, Dr. Russell Polson Jr.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at the Newton City Cemetery, in Newton under the care of Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if donations are made in Cindy's memory to Christian Women's Job Corps https://christianjobcorps.com/sites/ or Buckner Children and Family Services https://www.buckner.org/donatenow/

Larry Wayne Stamps, 79, of Newton, Texas, entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. His memory will forever live in the hearts of family and friends who cherished him deeply.

Larry is survived by his children, Tina Stamps-Durand and husband Mark of Jasper, Texas, and Scott Stamps and husband Chris Bland of Columbus, Ohio; two grandchildren, Marissa Thompson and husband Garett and Reese Durand and wife Megan, all of Jasper, Texas; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Greta Keller and husband Tim of Leesville, Louisiana, and brothers Joe Rowe of Jasper, Texas; Glen Stamps; David Stamps; and Thomas Stamps and wife Jackie of Merryville, Louisiana, along with numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Juanita, his parents Isaac Wacy Stamps and Millie Mae Miller, his sister Cathy Lott, brothers Jerry Stamps and James Stamps, and one grandchild, Morgan Durand.

Larry dedicated over 30 years of his career as a Sandblaster/Painter at Temple Eastex in Evadale, Texas, retiring after decades of hard work. On April 9, 1989, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Newton, Texas.

He enjoyed a life filled with hobbies such as softball, fishing, hunting, playing cards and dominoes, and was an avid supporter of Newton Eagles Football. Larry took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren play sports and cherished every moment spent with his family and friends.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Harbor Hospice of Jasper, Smith Funeral Home of Newton, and their church family at Beechgrove Baptist Church, Jasper, Texas, for their care and support.

Visitation will be held on January 3, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM at Smith Funeral Home, Newton, Texas, officiated by Mark Durand.