Daris Verlee Frost Simmonds

Daris Verlee Frost Simmonds ran into the arms of Jesus on July 9, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 92.

Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home, 4350 River Oaks Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76114.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Grand Avenue, Fort Worth, TX. 

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James L. West Center for Dementia Care   www.jameslwest.org

Daris was born on December 14, 1933, in Vernon, Texas to Hiram (HG) Frost and Jewel Alice Wade Frost. After graduating from Vernon High School, she attended Texas Christian University where she graduated in 1955 with a Degree in Art Education, and later in life, with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education.

Daris had two children during her marriage to Darrell Simmonds, and as a military wife, she traveled and lived around the world, including England where she enjoyed creating brass rubbings of metal plaques in churches that memorialized medieval knights in full armor. Single again at age 40, Daris pulled herself up by her bootstraps, raised her two children, and worked several jobs to provide them with the best life in Arlington, Texas, where they lived. She was blessed to meet John O. Briggs, who was her best friend and companion for almost 50 years. He predeceased her in death in 2021 and was deeply missed.

Daris had many passions, including loving on her children and grandchildren, but also teaching children. She taught in the public school systems around the world for over 30 years, finally retiring from Wimbish Elementary School in Arlington, Texas, where she was named Teacher of the Year. She touched many lives as a teacher and was often contacted by former students who told her the difference she made in their lives.

Daris was a selfless, strong-willed, and courageous Christian woman, and loved serving her family and friends. She generously gave of herself, but found it difficult to receive anything from others in return. She enjoyed the beach, fishing, watching sports, and shopping. An avid reader, she often read two or more books at a time and loved learning the Bible and trusting the Lord with all things. She suffered with the horrible disease of Alzheimer's during her latter years, but never lost that beautiful smile and tenacious spirit. When she went to be with her Lord, Jesus, it was a beautiful and peaceful moment.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Jack Frost and Douglas Frost, and her sisters, Georgia Duke and Tharon Aulds.

She is survived by her children, Dirk Simmonds (Jung Tung Cheng) and Janet Hahn (Glen), her grandchildren, Dawson Simmonds and Lewis Simmonds (Kelli), and many special extended family members.

A special thank you to her caregivers, Heather Mack, Angela Dean-Wilson, and Mari Briggs, and the wonderful staff and volunteers at James L. West Center for Dementia Care, for the extraordinary love you showed her.