Juanell Rena “Nell” Simms, maiden name Fipps, 65, passed from this life on February 23, 2026, at 5:23 p.m. in Amarillo, Texas.
Born on August 5, 1960, in Amarillo to William Frank Fipps and EdaLou Fipps, Nell’s life carried her to many places over the years. She lived in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Arizona, building memories and friendships along the way. In the final chapter of her life, she returned home to Amarillo, the place where her story began and where her heart ultimately belonged.
She graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1978. Later in life, she proudly earned her degree in Childhood Development, a reflection of her deep and abiding love for children.
Juanell held many positions throughout her life, primarily in customer service. Her natural warmth, willingness to help others, and personable spirit made her especially suited for serving and connecting with people. She had a gift for making others feel seen, heard, and valued.
Nell had a vibrant, youthful spirit and a joyful personality that shone through in all she did. She loved creating diamond art, thoughtfully crafting personalized pieces for family members she loved so dearly. She collected dolls, frogs, and unicorns—treasured symbols of her playful heart. A devoted fan of Texas Longhorn football, she proudly sported a tattoo or two bearing the team’s logo.
Music was another passion close to her heart. She cherished the time she spent with her brother Kevin, attending concerts and listening to live music whenever they could. She was also a devoted animal lover, especially of dogs and cats, who brought her much comfort and joy.
Above all, Nell will be remembered for her laughter. She found humor in everyday moments and shared that laughter freely with those around her. She will especially be remembered for her beautiful eyes and the way she looked into your very soul. In the end, she communicated through those eyes, teaching those who loved her that the eyes reveal the strength of the soul and often say more than words ever can. Her gaze reflected the depth of her heart, her resilience, and her enduring love.
She is survived by her children, Ricky and Kristina Castleberry; Casey Booth; and Stephanie Johnston; her grandchildren, Alex, Addisen, Payton, Paige, Shannon and Rowen; her brothers, Kevin Dewayne Fipps, Chris Fipps, and Kevin Dale Fipps; her stepmother, Linda Fipps; her nieces, Madison Truitt, Caitlyn Bailey; along with many aunts, cousins, and extended family members including Jana & Charlie Johnson, Tara & Brazz Vanover, Lindsey Zavoina, Janie Mason, and many others who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Frank Fipps and EdaLou Fipps; her sister, Pam Bailey; her niece, Candace Gibson; and many other beloved family members.
Nell’s life was one of connection, laughter, and love. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Juanell Rena “Nell” Simms
To my dear Sister Juanell . It’s only been a few days since you got your wings and flew home. Our hearts are happy but our emotions are sad. You have left but knowing where you are now forever and ever with Jesus ! Dad ,Mom and Sister Pam and other family and friends. Your passing, has I hope that everyone will continue to follow in your footsteps to receive the ultimate prize Jesus. The moment your heart stopped mine changed. Funny story, we were very young and Dad and Mom took us to the Gulf Of America one time you and I were walking on the beach as the tide was coming in. A crab washed up! Totally scared me and you and we took off running ! Amarillo don’t have them we ran wondering what kind of a sea monster did we see! Growing up back then with you as my older sister you kept me in check well sometimes anyway. Only wish now we could’ve went to more blues concerts but the ones we did go to we had so much fun. Much more could be said about you but it seems we never always say things like how you doing ? or tell me a story, or just I love you! Some losses hurt for a while, some hurt for a lifetime. You lived 24,031 days . 65 yrs 9 months and 14 days with us. You my dear sister are truly the Angel you thrived to be here and actually succeeded, but without your wings but you have received them now. I am writing this as the sun is rising. For some reason the sky with purple orange red blue pink clouds are so beautiful this morning. Yes purple your favorite color! Soar on Sister Soar on! Love you Juanell.
Mom,
This has been the hardest honor I have ever had—to plan this and make it happen for you. I want to thank you for giving me life and bringing me into our families. Thank you for always doing the best you could.
I know my time with you was cut short for many parts of it, but we have always made it back to each other no matter what. I believe you have made it back to me again. I have seen a red cardinal outside my house since you’ve been gone. I had never heard one talk until this one, and it is just fascinating.
I have also had bags of pictures for me and Scott fall from the top of the closet when nothing else has. I believe these have been signs from you and the bond we have always shared.
As I find pictures, baby clothes, and keepsakes, I want to know all the stories. However, I must appreciate the time that I did have and that so many memories were kept and documented for me. I just wish I had more time. I have always felt cheated out of my time with you.
But you made such an impression that no one will ever forget you. I will miss our yearly birthday cards where we tried to make the other cry more. I still have them, which makes me so glad. I definitely got the “keep everything” gene from you—ha-ha.
I am so happy that you got to see me graduate, get married, have a son, and share so many wonderful moments. Now you get to watch over me for the rest of them. I am very thankful for that, but I selfishly want you here with me instead.
Still, I am glad you are not hurting and are in a better place. You will endlessly be a light because of all the lives you have touched. We will make sure you live on through our stories and memories.
To quote Carrie Underwood, “I will see you again. This is not where it ends. I will carry you with me till I see you again.”
I will love you forever, Mom. Thank you.
Love,
Your baby girl
Beautiful Nell,
You were truly one amazing woman. I am honored to have called you my friend—not only a friend, but my daughter’s stepmom as well. Your kindness, strength, and love touched so many lives, and the way you cared for my daughter meant more to me than words could ever fully express.
You will always be remembered for your beautiful heart, your warmth, and the light you brought into the lives of everyone who knew you. Thank you for loving my daughter the way you did and for being such a big part of our lives.
You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Love you Girly 💜