Debra Ann "Debby" Simmons

Model, Artist, & Entrepreneur

Debby Simmons, 46, of Purcellville, VA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2013, from acute liver failure. A former model, Debby was passionate, opinionated, devoted, impatient, and playful all at the same time. A gifted chef, painter, and three-time businesswoman (catering, interior design, & jewelry), she was well known and dearly loved. Renowned for her collection of stunning hats, boots, and shoes, Debby lived life to the fullest and did it on her terms.

Debby was a devoted wife, wonderful mother and step-mother, beloved daughter, precious sister, treasured aunt, and cherished friend to many. Giving, caring, compassionate, and always interested in politics, Debby previously led the Loudoun County Young Republicans and was active in the Loudoun County Republican Committee for many years. Most recently, she aided in the re-election of her soon-to-be husband to the Loudoun County Soil & Water Conservation District. As her interest in conservation grew, she was appointed an Associate Director with the district. Following her marriage, Debby became the Marketing & Event Coordinator in their life-coaching firm, The Simmons Group LLC.

Debby was brought into this world on March 18, 1967 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was one of two children, a daughter and son (Danny), born to legendary naval aviator, Morris Davis "Whizzer" White, and the former Miss Shreveport, Beckyann White. Growing up in Shreveport, the family lived in New Orleans for several years before returning to her hometown, where she graduated from the First Baptist Church School in 1985. She then attended Louisiana Tech from 1985-1989. Debby subsequently lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before moving to Loudoun County, which she forevermore called home.

Debby was blessed with three sons from her first marriage: Dave, Dan, and Thomas Terral. A football fanatic, she was an active Booster at Briar Woods High School in Brambleton where her two older sons played football. She eagerly looked forward to this fall, as Thomas is a new member of Fauquier High School's varsity football team.

Last June, on the first day of summer, she married author and retired spy-catcher Chris Simmons "We celebrated life more in our 18 months together than most people do in a lifetime," said Simmons, 52. In addition to her newlywed husband, Debby loved her stepson, Sean and step-daughters Caitlin & Morgan Simmons as her own.

Family will receive friends at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg, VA on Saturday, April 13th, from noon to 1:00pm with the memorial service starting at 1:00pm. Those that wish to make brief comments at the memorial will be invited to do so. Following the service, friends and family are invited to continue the celebration of Debby's life at the family residence in Purcellville.

A second memorial service is being held in Shreveport, Louisiana on Monday, April 8th. Graveside services and Inurnment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Friends are welcome to send flowers or make a donation in Debby's memory to her favorite charity, the Wounded Warrior Project.

A service is scheduled for Arlington National Cemetery on Friday, December 13, 2013 starting at 10:00 a.m. All attending are asked to meet at the Administration Building by 9:30 a.m.