Deborah Nunley Simmons
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Deborah Nunley Simmons, 70, of Lee’s Summit, passed away peacefully at home with family on October 17th after a brief fight with cancer. A celebration of Deborah’s incredible life will be held July 4th, 2025, at her home.
Growing up an “Army brat,” she lived many places, including Japan and Hawaii. Her family eventually settled outside of Atlanta, Georgia. She made Wendell Simmons immensely happy in 1979 when they married after meeting in college. Deborah was an accomplished athlete; she was captain of her college tennis team and enjoyed snow skiing in the Rockies.
Deborah’s employment was quite versatile and accomplished: she was the first woman to be promoted to supervisor at any Cargill plant, and she and Wendell built and sold a software company before moving to England.
With her family, Deborah traveled the world, living in San Francisco while running a large art gallery and in Seattle managing finance offices before retiring to Kansas City to be near family.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Wendell Simmons, and daughter, Nicole Simmons, along with her son-in-law Scott Wineinger, grandchildren Aidan and Brynn, Brynn’s husband Trevor Barlow and their children Willow and Scarlett and her niece, Clare Nunley. Deborah’s brother Bruce Nunley and his wife Connie, and sister Sherry Ledford with husband Joe live in north Georgia. The extended family lives in Georgia. Her sister-in-law, Wanda Buckner and her husband, Julian reside in Charleston, South Carolina.
Everyone who met Deborah knows her life’s mission was to love everyone and lift up anyone in need, especially children. Please consider making a donation to HALO (haloworldwide.org) in Deborah’s name to honor the shining light that was her life.
What a beautiful tribute. Over the past week, I’ve been reminiscing about our times together, and all of them involved laughing hysterically at a situation or mistake we made, having serious discussions about the environment, politics, anything that happened to arise, and our favorite subject, chocolate. I will miss the fabulous breakfasts she made daily, her incredible spaghetti sauce, and her thirst for learning. In my last conversation with her just days before she passed, most of it involved her describing a new type of sandbag that we might want to get for our home here in Charleston. 🙂 She always wanted to help and love. Because of her expertise in running a household, raising Nicole, and working at her various jobs, Wendell was free to pursue his many dreams and to follow them without hesitation. They had an amazing friendship, love, and life together. Her love for Nicole was endless. I’m so glad Wendell and Nicole have these incredible memories to help them through this difficult time. Debbie will never, ever be forgotten. Her love lives on.
I love that picture… just like her. She looked so healthy and vibrant. No words. She was all of what was written about her and more. I loved her spunk and I’ll say it again; Wendell – you Deb, Wanda and I grew up together my sincere condolences go out to you, Nicole and your extended families. Love, Al (Althea Bleckley)
Debbie was my dear, sweet sister. I looked up to Debbie growing up. There is so much of my life that I shared with Debbie, I could write a book. I say “yea” to the previous comments. My sister was generous in giving help and cared about her family. She was a gentle soul. She was always “up” and laughing. I think I am going to write down some of the really good times I had with my sister for they are golden memories.
Great lady,always happy and smiling!!!
Wendell sorry for your loss!!!
Condolences to each and every family member, friend, and acquaintance of Debbie’s. May peace and comfort be abundant for all of you as memories fill your thoughts and lives. I bid you strength, perseverance and purpose to fill your days and nights as you deal with the loss of Deɓbie.
Debbie was one of my dear cousins. Our families did not live close by when we were growing up, although I have pictures of us when we were kids/teenagers. But I got to know her, some, when we were adults. I will always cherish the last time my family got to visit her and Wendell. Debbie and I had a beautiful afternoon of visiting while everyone else went sightseeing. I loved her sweet caring spirit and she reminded me and my mom of our Grandma Becknell. Beautiful words have been written about her and I know her family is grateful for that. I love you and will miss you, Debbie, until we meet again.
I have so many memories that involve Deborah. She was my best friend during our child rearing years. We took family trips together, shared Braves tickets, church small group. Lyndsey and Nicole were besties. Wendell and my Mark were such good friends. Deborah was so funny, adventurous and smart. She walked to her own unique drumbeat. She loved you Wendell and in all the years I knew her she had nothing but praise and admiration for you. Nicole, she was so proud in how you turned out. She felt blessed having you near by when i talked to her last. I do laugh looking at her beautiful photo wearing a pink and blue pastel sweater. Her mom was always nagging at her to wear pastels and Deborah for years would not wear them. Her mom was right with this one and i do believe you picked a beautiful picture of her. I will miss Deborah and when we talked 2 weeks prior to her death I thought she had more time, i will miss talking to her but thankful for our faith that we will meet again. Wendell and Nicole and all our loved ones our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you receive comfort thinking of all the wonderful times you had with this exceptional woman.