Kathy (Howard) Simmons

Ludowici – Mary Kathleen “Kathy” Howard Simmons, D.Ed., passed away early Saturday morning, November 15, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Austin Howard, Sr., and Betty Lou Howell Howard.  Dr. Simmons dedicated her life to the education of children and the strengthening of Georgia’s school communities for more than 35 years.  A lifelong scholar, she earned her B.S.Ed., M.Ed., Ed.S., and Doctor of Education degree from Georgia Southern University. Known to many as a walking Georgia School Law expert, she was the person educators and administrators turned to when they needed clarity or guidance. Her leadership, mentorship, and deep knowledge influenced countless teachers, staff members, and students throughout her career.  She began her career as a classroom teacher and devoted the majority of her professional life to the students and staff of the Long County School System. Throughout her tenure, she served numerous roles, including counselor, technology director, federal programs director, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. After retirement, Dr. Simmons continued her commitment to education as the site director for Coastal Plains Education High School at the Long County site, a role she held for six years. She worked tirelessly to reduce educational barriers and to foster an academically supportive, healthy, and safe learning community through her service as Executive Director of The Ludowici–Long County Family Connection, as a Trustee for the Long County Public Library, as a member of the Executive Board for the Long County Department of Family and Children Services, and as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Long County, where she also served on the Board of Directors. In addition to her many contributions to education and community service, Kathy cherished her family above all else.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffery; her sons, Austin and Trent (Victoria) Simmons; and her cherished grandson, Josey Simmons, along with his mother, Taylor Wells. She is also survived by her brothers, Johnny Howard (Suzanne) of Hazelhurst and Jerry Howard of McRae; her former sister-in-law, Lisa Howard Drumm. Her closest friends, Bonnie Gordon, Rhonda McClelland, Amy Rogers, and Janet Watford, were constant sources of love and support.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 5 PM at First Baptist Ludowici.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 19, at 11 AM at First Baptist Church in Ludowici.

Burial will follow in the Concord Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Tyler Deen, Cale Simmons, Brandon Grooms, Jacob Hadden, Mike McClelland, Sr., and Terrance Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be the faculty and staff of Long County Schools, the faculty of Coastal Plains Academy, and former students whose lives were touched by Dr. Simmons.

Remembrances are suggested to The Long County Rotary or Long County Public Library.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

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