Obituary for Stephan DeWayne Simmons
Stephan DeWayne Simmons was born on October 2, 1981, to his mother Jane (Simmons) Hodge and father Darryle Brown, Sr. in West, Texas. Jane & Stephan moved to Hillsboro, Texas shortly after his birth, where they soon met Kenneth Hodge. Kenneth and Jane married and raised Stephan together as their family grew.
Stephan accepted Jesus Christ into his life and was baptized as a young child at Believers Christian Cathedral in Hillsboro, Texas. Stephan was later Chrismated in the Greek Orthodox Church on May 27, 2018, receiving the anointing of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit at St. Basil The Great Greek Orthodox Church in Houston Texas, where he was a member until his transition.
Growing up in Hillsboro, Stephan loved spending time with his extended family and could often be found playing a “pick-up” game of sports for fun. His love for sports led him to both the basketball and football teams at Hillsboro High. Stephan graduated with high academic honors from Hillsboro High School in 2000, earning a full scholarship to play football at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
While at TCU, Stephan pursued a degree in Criminal Justice, discovered life long friendships and met the love of his life and future wife, Maria Christina. Stephan and Maria Christina were introduced in January 2001, and remained friends while pursuing their degrees. After graduating from TCU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 2005, Stephan asked Maria Christina to be his wife on New Year’s Day 2006. The two were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 16, 2007, in Houston, Texas. Two years later, they were blessed with their daughter Stefania in 2009; then a bouncing baby boy when Christian-James made his debut in 2012; and Anastasia’s arrival in 2018, made Stephan’s special family complete. Stephan adored his family; his children were truly his pride and joy and the smile his heart created when he spoke of them would always find its way to his face.
Stephan had a passion for education, this passion drove him beyond his original plan of practicing law, and into a life-time of learning, teaching and advocating for youth. In 2005, Stephan began his career as a College Admissions Counselor at the University of Texas-Arlington, while helping students gain entry to a secondary education, Stephan realized his gifts could be more impactful with underprivileged and first-generation students earlier in their education journey. He went into the classroom, he became a teacher and educational facilitator charting paths for students, teachers and administrators that focused on the heart of the student. Stephan taught in several school districts across the DFW and Houston areas and facilitated professional workshops and lectures aimed at meeting the needs of every student in the room. Believing that there was always more to learn and change about the traditional approach to education, Stephan returned to school twice. He received a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration with a Principal's Certificate from the University of Texas Arlington in 2011; and in 2021 had begun working toward a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Forever committed to Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service, Stephan joined the Alpha Zeta Chapter (Tyler, Texas) of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated in the fall of 2016 and because membership is a lifelong commitment, he transferred his membership and remained active in the Alpha Beta Sigma Alumni Chapter in Houston, Texas.
Stephan was known to be a kind, fun and loving man, with a million dollar smile; and anyone who knew him knew that he adored his family. The incredible love he had for his friends, family and especially his three children was unmatched. Stephan was a shining example of faith, family and friend. He was known by most as a great encourager and motivator. Stephan was always first to reach out and always did so with encouraging words to anyone in need.
Stephan DeWayne Simmons transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 1:03 am. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Houston Simmons, Sr., Beatrice Johnson Simmons, Floyd Hodge, Sr., Carrie Ellis Hodge, and Faye “Granny Faye” Brown.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Maria Christina Poulos-Simmons of Houston, Texas; his children, who he affectionately called “my babies”: Stefania Simmons (12), Christian-James Simmons (9), Anastasia Simmons (3); his parents: Jane Simmons Hodge & Kenneth Hodge of Hillsboro, Texas, Darryle Brown, Sr. of Houston, Texas; sisters: Keshia Simmons (Fort Worth), Kaylon Hodge (Fort Worth), Dana Brown (Arlington); brother: Darryle Brown, II (Fort Worth), and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.
Stephan accepted Jesus Christ into his life and was baptized as a young child at Believers Christian Cathedral in Hillsboro, Texas. Stephan was later Chrismated in the Greek Orthodox Church on May 27, 2018, receiving the anointing of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit at St. Basil The Great Greek Orthodox Church in Houston Texas, where he was a member until his transition.
Growing up in Hillsboro, Stephan loved spending time with his extended family and could often be found playing a “pick-up” game of sports for fun. His love for sports led him to both the basketball and football teams at Hillsboro High. Stephan graduated with high academic honors from Hillsboro High School in 2000, earning a full scholarship to play football at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
While at TCU, Stephan pursued a degree in Criminal Justice, discovered life long friendships and met the love of his life and future wife, Maria Christina. Stephan and Maria Christina were introduced in January 2001, and remained friends while pursuing their degrees. After graduating from TCU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 2005, Stephan asked Maria Christina to be his wife on New Year’s Day 2006. The two were joined in Holy Matrimony on June 16, 2007, in Houston, Texas. Two years later, they were blessed with their daughter Stefania in 2009; then a bouncing baby boy when Christian-James made his debut in 2012; and Anastasia’s arrival in 2018, made Stephan’s special family complete. Stephan adored his family; his children were truly his pride and joy and the smile his heart created when he spoke of them would always find its way to his face.
Stephan had a passion for education, this passion drove him beyond his original plan of practicing law, and into a life-time of learning, teaching and advocating for youth. In 2005, Stephan began his career as a College Admissions Counselor at the University of Texas-Arlington, while helping students gain entry to a secondary education, Stephan realized his gifts could be more impactful with underprivileged and first-generation students earlier in their education journey. He went into the classroom, he became a teacher and educational facilitator charting paths for students, teachers and administrators that focused on the heart of the student. Stephan taught in several school districts across the DFW and Houston areas and facilitated professional workshops and lectures aimed at meeting the needs of every student in the room. Believing that there was always more to learn and change about the traditional approach to education, Stephan returned to school twice. He received a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration with a Principal's Certificate from the University of Texas Arlington in 2011; and in 2021 had begun working toward a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Forever committed to Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service, Stephan joined the Alpha Zeta Chapter (Tyler, Texas) of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated in the fall of 2016 and because membership is a lifelong commitment, he transferred his membership and remained active in the Alpha Beta Sigma Alumni Chapter in Houston, Texas.
Stephan was known to be a kind, fun and loving man, with a million dollar smile; and anyone who knew him knew that he adored his family. The incredible love he had for his friends, family and especially his three children was unmatched. Stephan was a shining example of faith, family and friend. He was known by most as a great encourager and motivator. Stephan was always first to reach out and always did so with encouraging words to anyone in need.
Stephan DeWayne Simmons transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 1:03 am. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Houston Simmons, Sr., Beatrice Johnson Simmons, Floyd Hodge, Sr., Carrie Ellis Hodge, and Faye “Granny Faye” Brown.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Maria Christina Poulos-Simmons of Houston, Texas; his children, who he affectionately called “my babies”: Stefania Simmons (12), Christian-James Simmons (9), Anastasia Simmons (3); his parents: Jane Simmons Hodge & Kenneth Hodge of Hillsboro, Texas, Darryle Brown, Sr. of Houston, Texas; sisters: Keshia Simmons (Fort Worth), Kaylon Hodge (Fort Worth), Dana Brown (Arlington); brother: Darryle Brown, II (Fort Worth), and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.