Genie Simmons Howard

Genie (Virginia Dale Simmons) Howard was born on October 21, 1941, to Herman and Esther Simmons of Newton, TX. On April 14, 2025, in Emory, Texas, Genie went to be with Her Lord, surrounded by family. When He came to take her home, she greeted Him as a friend. Genie grew up in Newton, Texas, where she was the oldest sister who had parents who told her if she wanted to do something, she could do it. Riding on tractors and learning to drive cars while helping her Mom and Dad take care of the land. She graduated in 1959 from Newton High School. And then went on to graduate from Business School in Beaumont, Texas.

In 1960, Genie officially met Allyn Howard on a volleyball court in Newton, where he was impressed with her athleticism and curly hair, but what won him over was watching Genie drive her hotrod away when the game was over. The rest was history. Allyn and Genie married on June 7, 1961, and a year later welcomed their baby boy, Jeffery Allyn. Another 6 years later, Thomas Owen completed their family. While raising their family in Texarkana, Texas, Genie became a pioneer for professional women’s bass fishing. She saw a world where only men were given opportunities. She went on radio stations and TV and created a magazine to raise enough money for cash prizes. She got some of the biggest sponsors in the sport to support her tournaments.

Genie’s greatest joy was her family. Jeff and Tom made her endlessly proud. In 1988, Tom married Kristie (Davis) and grew their family joyfully. But also, in that year, Allyn and Genie lost Jeff to a lifelong heart condition. The pride of Genie’s life was her two precious grandchildren, Holly (Howard) Racca and Hunter Howard. That extended to their families as they grew to include Wesley Racca and Kelsey Howard. Her heart expanded to bursting when her great-grandchildren, Henry and Annie Racca, were born. Genie was a favorite aunt to nieces, nephews, and family members galore. She was also a dear friend to many. She had a love that was never doubted.

Genie will be remembered for her independence, determination, boogie-woogie dancing, and Jesuslike ability to find out which side of the boat the fish were on. Most of all, She will be remembered for her steadfast faith and loyalty to Christ. Genie embodied a humble and gentle spirit with a whole lot of spunk.

Genie was preceded in death by her brother, Donnie, father, Herman, son, Jeff, and husband, Allyn. Genie is survived by her mother, Esther Blanchard, of Jasper, Texas, her brother Mack Simmons of Bon Weir, Texas, son Tom and Kristie Howard of Rowlett, Texas, and grandchildren Holly and Wesley Racca of Abilene, Texas, Hunter and Kelsey Howard of Princeton, Texas, and her great-grandchildren, Henry Racca and Annie Racca of Abilene, Texas.

Though Genie’s life ended quicker than we would have liked, she leaves a legacy of love worth emulating. We are grieved by this tremendous loss, but we do not grieve as those who have no hope. We thank God for the story of the resurrected Christ, whom Genie served with great faith and loyalty.

Pallbearers will include Hunter Howard, Wesley Racca, Lance Simmons, Darren Williams, and Tony Lozada.

Services for Virginia will be held 11:00AM Monday, April 21, 2025 at Lake Fork Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service for visitation. Graveside service will be 3:00PM at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens in Texarkana. 1001 N Kings Hwy, Texarkana, TX 75501