Deanna “Teensy” Simmons Stepp, 65, of Salem, VA, and formerly of Eagle Rock, VA, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on Thursday, September 22, 1960, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, to Phyllis Reynolds and the late Donald Simmons.
In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Hobart & Geneva Patterson and Abraham & Stella Simmons; father-in-law, James Reynolds; and sister, Darlene Wimberley.
Deanna attended Marshall University, where she earned her undergraduate degree and met her husband, Jimmy. She later continued her education at Radford University, where she obtained her MBA.
Deanna cherished her trips to the beach, where the soothing crash of waves and warm sand between her toes brought her peace and tranquility. She also enjoyed attending concerts with friends and family, with favorites including Alabama and Lionel Richie. If you knew Deanna, you knew just how much she adored the movie “The Wizard of Oz!,” as it was her very favorite movie and a borderline obsession. She had multiple hobbies, including reading and lounging by the pool. She also spent countless hours pouring love and attention into cross-stitching, a passion she passed down to her daughter. She used her cross-stitching to decorate her home and gift cherished projects to her loved ones, filling their homes with continued reminders of the love, attention, and time Deanna poured into them.
Deanna was a driving force and fiercely loyal to those lucky enough to know and love her. Her love, passion, and guidance were ever-present, and her legacy will carry on through her greatest joy and source of pride: her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Phyllis Reynolds; husband, Jim Stepp; children, Samantha Stepp and Alexander Stepp; grandchildren, Aiden Stepp and Scarlett Stepp; daughter-in-law, Jasmine Stepp; mother-in-law, Robin Simmons; as well as many wonderful cousins, friends, and neighbors.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered support during this difficult time. Your generosity and kindness made a meaningful difference, and your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being there for us when we needed it most. Special thanks to her hospice nurse, Teri, who went above & beyond in her care for Deanna & her family.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia, with Paul Tucker officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
