Deana Odell Simon, 54, of Carrollton, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 24, 2025, in her family home in Lampasas.
Born Oct. 16, 1971 in Austin to Charles and Barbara (Olson) Simon, Deana spent her younger years in Cedar Park, enjoying family vacations at the surrounding lakes.
The family later moved to New Braunfels, where Deana graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1989.
She earned a degree in archeology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake before pursuing her juris doctor at South Texas College of Law.
Shortly after, Deana began her career in the law industry at Cox & Smith in San Antonio. For more than 15 years she was a 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 with her sharp intelligence, quick wit and fierce work ethic.
Outside of work, Deana loved to share her passion of helping animals in need. With her daughter, Barbara Anne, Deana opened her home as an advocate of fostering and pet adoption. Working with organizations such as San Antonio Pets Alive and Street Savvy Dog Rescue in Oregon, Deana helped give countless pups a second chance to thrive.
When she was not helping the shelter, Deana spent time reading, enjoying the water with family and friends, or exploring new places and experiences.
Her most favorite activity was always the quality time she got to spend with her daughter and beloved pets.
Deana was preceded in death by her father, Charles Simon; grandmother Reba Fretwell; uncles Larry Olsen and George Casbeer; aunt Juanice Cunningham; and cousin Glenn Cunningham.
She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Harper; her mother, Barbara Simon; her brother Charles Simon Jr. and wife Toni; nieces Briana Little and Brittany Simon; aunt Melissa Casbeer; cousins Teresa Cunningham Westbrook, Sean Casbeer, Ryan Casbeer, Mark Casbeer, Pam Lynch, Randy Baxter and Stephen Baxter; as well as a large extended family.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 29 at Lampasas Bible Church, 282 County Road 3404 in Lampasas. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Bend Cemetery. Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel has charge of arrangements.
Everyone is invited to Fiesta Winery immediately following the graveside service.
Memorial contributions may go to any no-kill animal rescue or to a charity of one’s choice.
