It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Amy Jeanette Naylor Simms born on July 14, 1973, in El Paso, Texas. Amy departed this life on October 23, 2026.
Amy was the beloved daughter of Jana Warren Melvin and the late Ronald Lance Naylor. She was raised with her sisters, Natalie Naylor Holloway and Laci Naylor Box who were blessed to have a strong sense of sisterhood and profound loyalty to each other.
In 1991, Amy graduated from Cornado High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech University in 1997(Wreck’Em). Amy’s leadership and willingness to take risks, with the support of her husband Gary led her to many entrepreneurial successes.
Amy and Gary were married on June 19,1999 and together they raised two beautiful daughters Rylee Jeanette and Haley Gwen who were the light of Amy’s life. As a devoted wife and mother, Amy’s love and support was unwavering, and the family was the centerpiece of her world.
Amy’s dedication to service extended beyond her career. She was a Stephen Minister through First United Methodist Church of Celina and recently began volunteering at MainGate Therapeutic Horsemanship, reflecting her deep compassion and commitment to helping others. Her involvement in her daughters’ school activities showed her dedication to family and community.
Amy’s love for nature was evident in her hobbies. She cherished her time spent in her garden tending to her plants and flowers, and she loved taking the girls on nature walks. The three of them spent many days at the Dallas Arboretum where Gary honored her with an honorary bench. Other favorite hobbies included horseback and trail riding with Rylee and being a cheer mom to Haley.
Those who knew Amy will remember her as a kindhearted, humorous, and loyal friend. She was an excellent cook, a great listener, a trusted confidant, who was always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand.
Amy is survived by her husband of 27 years, Gary, and her daughters Rylee and Haley, her mother and stepfather, Jana and Robert Melvin, her sisters Natalie Holloway (Jeff), and Laci Box (Greg), and numerous nieces, nephews, and a large extended family along with many close lifelong friends.
Amy’s faith in God was a guiding force in her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Donkey and Equine Haven in Celina, Texas or Maingate Therapeutic Horsemanship in McKinney, Texas, www.donkeyandhorserescue.org or www.manegait.org.
Amy’s favorite color was Cobalt Blue. As a tribute to her, all who attend services are encouraged to wear a shade of blue in remembrance of her bright spirit.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 31, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 12465 FM 428, Celina, Texas, 75009.