Stephen Simmons

1981 - 2022

Stephan DeWayne Simmons
1981-2022
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. 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. Stephan attended TCU and while there he 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. He graduated 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 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 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 again, 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. A visitation will be held Saturday February 19th 2022 10:00am - 11:00am, and the service will start at 11:00am at St. Basil The Great Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas.