Deana Simon

Deana Odell Simon, 54, of Carrollton, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Monday, November 24, 2025, in her family home in Lampasas, Texas.

She was born on October 16, 1971, in Austin, Texas, to Charles and Barbara (Olson) Simon. Deana spent her younger years in Cedar Park, enjoying many family vacations at the surrounding lakes.  The family later moved to New Braunfels, Texas, where Deana graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1989.  She earned a degree in Archaeology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake before pursuing her Juris Doctor at South Texas College of Law.  Shortly after, Deana would begin her career in the law industry at Cox & Smith in San Antonio, Texas.  For more than fifteen years, she was a respected specialist in electronic discovery, and later served in legal affairs at Parkland Health for five years.  She earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers with her sharp intelligence, quick wit, and fierce work ethic.

Outside of work, Deana loved to share her passion for helping animals in need.  Together with her daughter, Barbara Anne, Deana opened her home and her heart as a true advocate of fostering and pet adoption.  Working with organizations such as San Antonio Pets Alive and Street Savvy Dog Rescue in Oregon, Deana was instrumental in helping give countless pups a second chance to thrive.  When she was not helping the shelter, Deana could be found spending time reading, enjoying the water with family and friends, or exploring new places and experiences.  However, Deana's most favorite activity was always the quality time she got to spend with her daughter and many beloved pets.

Deana was preceded in death by her father, Charles Simon; her grandmother, Reba Fretwell; her uncles, Larry Olsen and George Casbeer; her aunt, Juanice Cunningham; and her cousin Glenn Cunningham.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Harper; her mother, Barbara Simon; her brother, Charles Simon, Jr. and his wife Toni; nieces, Briana Little and Brittany Simon; her aunt, Melissa Casbeer; her cousins, Teresa Cunningham Westbrook, Sean Casbeer, Ryan Casbeer, Mark Casbeer, Pam Lynch, Randy Baxter, and Stephen Baxter; as well as a large extended family and a wide circle of devoted friends who will miss her every single day.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Lampasas Bible Church, 282 County Road 3404, Lampasas, Texas 76550.  Visitation will begin at 2:30 pm.  Burial will follow at Bend Cemetery.  Everyone is invited to Fiesta Winery at the Bend immediately following the graveside service.

In honor of Deana's memory, the family suggests contributions to any no-kill animal rescue close to your heart or a charity of your choice.  Deana believed every life deserved love, and she lived that belief beautifully.

Rest in peace, sweet Deana.  Your light will never fade in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know you.