Simon was reared by Loving, Strong, God-fearing parents who instilled the word of God into their children. Embracing this concept, Simon accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Personal Savior and united with the Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Joseph, Louisiana. Simon also received his formal education at Tensas Parish Training School (Rosenwald High School) in St. Joseph, Louisiana.
In 1951 Simon enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years. He served in the Korean Conflict in Okinawa, Japan, subsequently receiving an Honorable Discharge upon separation in 1953. He then moved to Los Angeles, California.
After moving to Los Angeles, California, Simon was united in Holy Matrimony to his sweetheart, Delores Diggs, who preceded him in death. To this union seven children were born; four boys, Gerald Byous, Keith Byous, Kim Byous, and Dewayne Byous, Sr.; and three girls, Linda Elise Byous Perkins, Charey Byous, and Rosslyn Byous. Simon was a diligent worker doing his best to provide for his family.
Later, Simon married Cleopatra Harper and was instrumental in the rearing of four other children; two boys, Levester Lewis and the Late Lafayette La Dean Harper; and two girls, Chrysanthemum Lewis and Yolanda Hawkins Shelton. Simon embraced his new family with a loving heart. He was a good husband and father. He worked many jobs to ensure that he could adequately provide for his family. Simon was a good family man, and as it says in Genesis 9:7 "Be fruitful and multiply". Simon certainly took it to heart because the size of the family did increase. Now during the course of this marriage, Simon received information about a daughter he had from his younger years spent in St. Joseph, Louisiana. He was very blessed to connect with her after many years. Her name is Elaynne Washington. Elaynne and her dad Simon established an unbreakable bond of love for each other and cohesiveness. Elaynne was readily engrafted into the Byous family and introduced to her other siblings. She was welcomed with warm hearts full of love for her. Once again the family mutlipiles.
It has been said, "The Third Time Is The Charm". Well after the death of Cleopatra Harper Byous, Simon continued to move forth and he caught the eye of a younger, vibrant, hard-working, loveable, Christian woman by the name of Teresa Reed. After a season of dating, Simon found himself at the altar again. Yes, he married a third time to Teresa Reed, and he received her two sons with open arms, Dalanza Reed and Jawan Reed. He effectively communicated with them giving them sound advice and words of wisdom. Although Dalanza and Jawan were both grown men, he respected and encouraged them. They love and adore Simon because they felt his love for them and they realized he was there for them if need be. Genesis 9:7 "Be fruitful and multiply", Simon really took it literally, here again, he multiplied the family.
My husband Simon, whom I call Boo, was a wonderful husband, loving, kind, respectful, enjoyable, supportive, giving, and a Godly man. Boo not only took Genesis 9:7 literally but he also exemplifies the scripture in Ephesians 5:25-33. I thank God for blessing me with a husband that uplifted me, encouraged me, a protector and defender, and I am proud to be his wife. Simon united with First Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, California, where I was already a member, because he loves God and believes in the unity and wholeness of family. Simon was faithful to the ministry and loved his pastor and the membership explicitly.
Simon retired from Los Angeles city after 33 years of outstanding service and he also retired from Los Angeles County after 20 years of remarkable service. After retiring from both jobs, Simon could not sit still, so he worked part-time with the Compton Meals on Wheels program for several years. He loved keeping busy and enjoyed meeting and helping people.
In 2017 Boo and I, (Teresa) both being retired relocated to Monticello, Arkansas, where we could live our lives free from the hustle and bustle of the city, the noise of the city, and definitely the traffic in the city. We wanted to enjoy the quiet, peace, and tranquility that the small town of Monticello, provided. God blessed us to achieve our goal by being here in Monticello a few years before Simon (Boo) made his transition from this earthly life on May 13, 2022, going on from Labor to reward. Naturally, our hearts are filled with sorrow, and the tears will flow when our loved ones are taken from us, but we should still our grief long enough to think of what this Homegoing means today. 91 years, 6 months, and 8 days of toils, and burden bearing were exchanged a few days ago for the repose of Heaven. "Cares all past, home at last... Heaven to Rejoice."
Having departed from his earthly tabernacle, he leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife, Teresa Reed-Byous; thirteen children, Gerald Byous, Linda Elise Byous Perkins (Art), Keith Byous, Kim Byous (Sonya), Charey Byous, Dewayne Byous, Sr. (Johnnie), Rosslyn Byous, Elaynne Washington (Gary), Levester Lewis, Chrysanthemum Lewis, Yolanda Hawkins Shelton (Lawerence), Dalanza Reed, and Jawan Reed; sixteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren four brothers-in-law; seven sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 10 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church, in Monticello, Arkansas. Visitation will be Friday, May 20, 2022, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel, in Monticello, Arkansas. Burial will follow the funeral services in Oakland Cemetery, in Monticello, Arkansas.
Please sign Mr. Simon's guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Marilyn E Matthews
North Little Rock, AR Saturday, May 21, 2022 Dearest Friend Teresa!! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His Might to keep you. Love you long time friend!!! MarilynDarus Taylor
Los Angeles, CA Saturday, May 21, 2022 We the members of New Prospect Baptist Church sends our condolence.1st Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV)
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers/sisters, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
1.) uneducated: vs13a
2.) unpresent: vs13c
3.) unsaved: vs13d
Your Servant In Christ
W.D.Taylor III Pastor/Teacher
New Prospect Baptist Church
Geraldine Michael and Carol Byous
Los Angeles, CA Saturday, May 21, 2022 Uncle Simon was a remarkable man. A wonderful brother and law and uncle. Although he moved far away he still was in our thoughts and our heart. We are thankful he lived a beautiful and full life. We remember the wonderful stories he would tell. We do get to keep them and him in our memories. The Most High God bless him on his next journey.Yolanda Shelton
Anaheim, CA Saturday, May 21, 2022 Words can not express how much I truly loved you. Pop’s you were a remarkable person. Loving, soft spoken and caring. You were a good person and your life showed it. Job well done and you will live in my heart forever. Never forgotten!!!Mary Louise Berry
Kenner, LA Saturday, May 21, 2022 Dear Teresa,With Heartfelt Sympathy
to You and Your Family
In sympathy for your loss, in understanding of all you
must be going through, in hopes that you are doing as
well as can be expected at this difficult time.
Johnny Thomas
Chicago, IL Friday, May 20, 2022 To Teresa and family. We're sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you and your family. You are in our prayers. From your neighbor and friend since early childhood Johnny Thomas and family.Michelle T Jones
Los Angeles, CA Friday, May 20, 2022 Teresa, we send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. We are here for you. We are praying for you. What an amazing person Simon was. You were blessed to celebrate life with him. We are grateful to have known Simon.In Love, Pastor Darnell Jones Sr. and the First Missionary Baptist Church Family
Greg Williams
SACHSE, TX Friday, May 20, 2022 May the family find peace in the memories shared with Uncle Simon.Joyce Jefferson Steele
Long Beach, CA Thursday, May 19, 2022 My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family as you all are dealing with your loss and with the absence of your husband and father. May his soul rest in peace. He was such a wonderful person, and I will always be grateful for the memories I have of him. He will always be loved and missed.With much love cousin Joyce
Joseph White Sr
New Orleans, LA, LA Thursday, May 19, 2022 My sympathy and condolences to the Byous Family. I remember growing up across the street from Simon as a youngster. Will sorely miss him as an elder statesman.