Ann Simms

Ann Simms
11/21/2023
Born in Nashville, Ann Pryor Simms grew up in a hardworking West Texas family. During WWII, her father, George Pryor, enlisted with his entire Vanderbilt medical school class. Ann and her mother, Dorothy Bunkley Pryor, returned to Stamford, Texas to be near grandparents, Lutie & Dr. E. P. Bunkley and Margaret & George Pryor, Sr. After the war, her beloved sister Scottie was born.
In high school, she was Editor of the school paper and Head Cheerleader during the Bulldogs' state championship. At Randolph Macon Woman's College in Virginia, Ann joined Pi Beta Phi sorority and served as Dorm President and Student Body VP. Through college friends at Thanksgiving in NYC, Ann was reintroduced to John T. Simms III (married 1960). While he finished SMU law school, Ann worked for Scott Foresman Publishing in the School Book Depository building. Asked if she could type, she confidently answered yes. She taught herself that weekend.
After John graduated, they moved to Houston where Ann worked as Director of The Women's Institute, an esteemed continuing education organization. Ann served on the Awty International School board and volunteered at the library. A breast cancer survivor, Ann helped many navigate diagnoses at MD Anderson, and served on the Texas Board of the American Cancer Society (ACS). She was State Chairman of Residential Outreach, organized George W. Bush to film an ACS video, and spearheaded the ACS "Holiday card", raising over $700,000 in its 25th year. Ann enjoyed First Presbyterian church, the Briar Club, Sarabande Dance Club, Pi Phi Alumni, parenting St. John's and Kinkaid daughters, and loved her Locke Lane neighbors.
In later years, Ann & John divided time between homes they built in Ft. Worth and Durango. Ann enjoying hiking, painting, reading, learning, adventure, and cooler Colorado weather. Ann jogged through her 70s and prioritized a healthy diet, sometimes to the chagrin of grandchildren. In Ft. Worth, she was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Colonial Dames, Pi Phi Alumni, and served on the Boards of the Ft. Worth Library Foundation and Communities in Schools.
Her positive spirit and courage will live on through her husband of 62 years, John T. Simms III; daughters Missy Montgomery (Carter) and Julie Hayes (Jay); grandchildren John & Peter Montgomery, Tucker & Julia Hayes; brother-in-law Harry Bartel; nephews Chris (wife Darcey, children: Kendall, Carter & Tess) and George; cousins Susan Pollan (Charlie) and Sally Jordan (Mike) who were like sisters. The family appreciates caregivers: Brittany Fairchild, Niche Aldara Ochoa, Jeanie Gordon, and Rachel Andrews. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 28th at First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Worth. If you wish to donate in her memory, please consider Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute at UTSW, the ACS, or First Presbyterian Church (Ft. Worth).