Command Sergeant Major Nancy Elaine Simmons
Command Sergeant Major Nancy Elaine Simmons, 79, of Vidor, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025. She was born on July 11, 1945, in Orange, to Lillie Fern Williams and Oscar Gene Simmons.
Nancy entered the United States Woman’s Army Corps in 1968 and served as an administrative assistant while assigned to the 580th Telephone Operations, LBN USARPAC, Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. In 1979, she joined the Active Guard Reserve Program. She is a graduate of the 1988 Class of Sergeants Major Academy and is 1981 graduate of Northwestern Virginia Community College. Some of Nancy’s assignments during her time in the Active Guard Reserve Program include, Administrative Supervisor, 80th Weapons Committee; Personnel Staff NCO, Personnel Division, Pentagon; DCSPER, Enlisted Division, Pentagon; Commandant, First Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin; Commandant, USAR Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
Her awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal with fifth award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forced Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Office Development Ribbon with numeral four, Army Service Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Command Sergeant Major Simmons retired after serving as Commandant, United States Army Reserve Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
Survivors include her nieces, Kimberly Silcox and her husband, Jeff; Kathy VanWinkle and her husband, Perry; and Donna Chapman, all of Winnie; nephew, James O. McGlothlin and his wife, Cindy, of Vidor; great-niece, Megan McGlothlin; as well as many other great-nieces and nephews; lifelong friend, Joann Macri; and many other close friends and extended family that she loved dearly.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Linda Gail Nelson and Nelda Faye Willey.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Cremation arrangements for Command Sergeant Major Simmons were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
I served under CSM Simmons at both the Ft Chaffee and Ft McCoy NCOA’s. She was a tremendous mentor and served as a excellent example for all NCOs, but especially for female NCO’s. I have many great memories, even the ones where she was chewing me out for not meeting her expectations. She will always hold a special spot in my heart. RIP now, but I imagine she will be getting all the angels squared away now, lol!
Didn’t know her, but very thankful for her service. What an Outstanding Career…
Sending my love and prayers to the family. Nancy and I were neighbors for 20 years. She and I worked on several projects together in our neighborhood. It is difficult to think of not talking on the phone with her again.
She was full of wisdom and kindness. Sometimes tuff love if you needed it.
Helped each other of the edge at times.
Usually with laughter which is the best medicine you will be truly missed rest in peace my Friend
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Nancy. She served her country well. RIP Sister.
Nancy JURGEVICH
Vietnam Women Veterans
My Sweet Wonderful Friend.
I Love you Nancy. You’re a true friend, I’ll miss you and our fun get togethers. Rest
In Peace. Hope you’re catching up with Linda Gayle and Nelda Faye.
May your Family find Peace in your strength and the way you lived your life. ❤️
Thank you so much!
Was so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. I served in Vietnam and Ft Meyer VA with her. She was a riot to be around. We had a great friendship and always stayed in touch over the years. Nancy you will be missed by many, I will miss our phone visits. RIP dear friend.
Thank you!
Thank you!
So sorry to read this. Nancy was an amazing woman and definitely a HERO. RIP
Prayers to the family.
Thank you!