Nancy Jane Simmons

Nancy Jane Simmons, a beloved retired teacher, passed away in her hometown of New Castle, Indiana on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at the age of 88 with a roomful of family and friends at her side. Born December 18, 1936 in New Castle, she was daughter of the late Marion Van and Maude Adeline Brown. Nancy dedicated her career to education, retiring in 1990 after many years of service at New Castle Community Schools in Art and Alternative Education. 

A lifelong resident of New Castle, Nancy & Bob enjoyed being Florida snowbirds during 22 years of retirement. Nancy was a proud member of the Henry County 4-H for many years where she served as a leader, guiding and inspiring countless young minds. She was also a Den Mother to all three of her sons, as well as her neighbors, receiving the Den Mother of the Year award. She belonged to the Nomads with her husband, Bob, through the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters, Sigma Kappa BSU and Phi Beta Psi Sorority. Nancy was an active board member of both the New Castle Breakfast Optimist Club and Supporter of the Guyer Opera House in Lewisville. 

An award-winning artist, she expressed her creativity in many mediums. Known for her love of cooking and making custom cakes, Nancy’s warm and nurturing spirit touched everyone who knew her. She loved the Lord and is now enjoying a wonderful new life in Heaven. Nancy was a member of the Friends Church and the Church of Christ. Nancy will be remembered for her kindness, her passion for teaching, and the positive impact she had on so many lives. In the words of a dear family friend expressing the thoughts of all that knew her, "Momma Nancy was truly one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. She cared so deeply for everyone around her, and to know her was to love her. She lived as the hands and feet of Jesus, and her kindness and grace were such an inspiration to me. I still keep the magnolia she drew for me on my bedside table so I can see it every morning, a reminder of the beauty and love she put into the world."

Those left to cherish Nancy's memory include three sons: Rob (Heidi), Tim (Penny) and Nic (Eva) Simmons. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Robbie (Brittany), Tabitha (Khalid), Lucile (Quentin), Levi (Eva), Kaden (Rebecca) and Leslie (Emil). She is also survived by her first great-grandchild, Saulivan (newborn April 1st to grandson Levi and Eva), and another due soon to granddaughter Tabitha and Khalid). In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bobby” Simmons, Jr. 

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Pastor Rick Schoeff and Patrick McDaniel officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of the Celebration of Life. You may express condolences or share a memory of Nancy at www.hinsey-brown.com.