JACQUELINE SIMMONS GRACE

JACQUELINE SIMMONS GRACE, a luminous soul born on July 24, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, in Royse City, Texas. Her life was an extraordinary testament to living in love, charity, peace, and faith—a bright light that illuminated the lives of all who knew her.

Jacqueline was a woman of remarkable spirit: strong and courageous, resilient yet jovial, wise and quick-witted. With a heart anchored in compassion and empathy, she walked a firm but fair path through life. To know her was to witness a deeply Christian, loving, and caring presence whose devotion to daughters and family and faith was unwavering.

Her academic journey began at Booker T. Washington High School in New Orleans and continued with nursing studies at El Centro College, where she proudly earned her license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Through her career, Jacqueline’s dedication to service extended beyond her profession, finding expression in her fervent participation in her church,  St. Elizabeth Hungary Catholic Parish in the hospitality ministry and Guadalupana’s committee ministry, serving with quiet grace and steadfast commitment.

Jacqueline’s passions painted a vibrant portrait of her life’s joys: the sacred rhythms of reading the Bible and praying the rosary, the spirited energy of track and field, volleyball, and basketball, and the soulful melodies of Motown and R&B that enlivened her days. Above all, family time  and serving her church community was her cherished treasure, a sacred space where love was nurtured, memories were woven and abundance of laughter resonated.

She took immense pride in her most treasured accomplishments—being a devoted mother and a steadfast pillar of life in Christ. Jacqueline’s love and guidance are lovingly carried forward by her daughters, Dira Ann Grace and Dr. Janis Marie Grace (Nechelle); her siblings Charles Simmons (Lois), Pervis Simmons (Daisy), Howard Simmons (Barbara Ann), Kathleen Simmons, Ann Simmons, and Randall Simmons; and by niece and caregiver Tanya Lynn Simmons, along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews,. The family’s broader circle, including The 821 Posse' , best friend Mrs. Gloria Cohen, and other beloved family members and friends, also hold her memory dear.

Her passing marks the closing of a chapter begun by her parents, Charles and Harriett Simmons, and followed by the loss of her beloved husband, Rev. Charles Mason Grace, and sister, Glendoris Simmons Washington. Though they are gone, their legacy lives on thrumming through Jacqueline’s spirit and those she so tenderly loved.

Jacqueline Simmons Grace’s life was a radiant beacon of faith lived fully, love given selflessly, and courage expressed daily. The echoes of her laughter, the wisdom of her words, and the warmth of her embrace remain forever imprinted upon the hearts of all she touched—a true light extinguished from this world, but forever shining in the realm of eternal peace.