I’m the oldest of three sisters and so it feels like an honor to tell you a story today about a sister’s love.
My history with Stacy Simmons began seven years ago when Lynne Gentry and I felt led to mentor a group of Dallas-area aspiring authors of Christian fiction. Stacy was one of the women who attended our meetings right from the start.
We met for YEARS. In fact, about half of these women still come to my house for monthly meetings. Stacy was such a wonderful part of our circle. Kind. Quick to laugh. Self deprecating and funny. Most of all, she was enormously supportive of every group member. Unfailingly generous with her encouragement. A cheerleader for all. The photograph above was snapped in August of 2022. At afternoon tea that day, Stacy told us about her upcoming surgery.
In October, she had the surgery. Everything went as planned and she was released from the hospital to recuperate. Stacy’s husband and her sister Beth were at home with her when she began to experience unexpected complications from surgery. She passed away suddenly. Which came as an awful shock to her family and friends.
I met Beth at Stacy’s funeral.
Like so many people I’ve met over the years, Stacy had a dream to write and publish books. Writing them is hard. Finding a publisher for your books is even harder. Stacy persevered for years before eventually receiving the wonderful news that Celebrate Lit had offered her an opportunity to publish with them. She entered into a contract for her three-book Briar Creek Love series.
It was a dream come true for Stacy when her debut novel, A Promise for Faith, released in January of 2022. At that time, only God knew the events that were coming around the corner for Stacy that fall. I’m so thankful that, in His generosity, He enabled her to experience the joy of seeing her Christian romance published.
When Stacy passed away, her second book, A Journey for Hope, was done and in the publishing pipeline. It came out after Stacy’s death in January of 2023. Beth did all that she could to promote that release.
Stacy’s third book, the final in the series and on the contract, was left as an unfinished manuscript. Beth is an attorney. She’d never written fiction before. Yet, on top of her job and family responsibilities, she stepped in to finish her sister’s final book.
She was able to access the manuscript and Stacy’s notes about the book on Stacy’s computer. Beth gave herself a crash course in fiction writing, then poured out a great deal of time completing the manuscript in a way that stayed true to Stacy’s vision for the story.
Look what just released . . . .
With A Season for Grace, Stacy’s series is now complete.
“I learned so much through this process, but most of all, I have an entirely new level of respect for my sister’s accomplishments. The amount of time she spent writing, publicizing her books (and others), serving as president of American Christian Fiction Writers-Dallas, working as a teacher, and being a wife and mother . . . I had no idea my sweet sister was such a star! Finishing A Season for Grace was truly a labor of love, and I hope I did Stacy’s memory justice.” -Beth
Beth, you absolutely did. Thank you for reminding us what sacrificial love and loyalty can accomplish. God bless you.
Feel free to leave a note for Beth in the comments!
Becky Wade
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Beth, What a wonderful thing to do for your sister. May God richly bless you for your work. Kim in NC It brought tears to my eyes. I hope my children will love each other like that.
Oh my..what love…I am inspired!!!
What a wonderful tribute and way to honor your dear sister, Beth. And Becky, thanks for sharing this wonderful example of finishing the race well. Still praying for comfort and grace for Stacy’s family as you all continue to miss her so much.
What an amazing act of love to finish your sister’s book/series following her death! I’ve ordered the set to read. May God richly bless you!
There’s nothing quite like the bond of sisters. What a beautiful way to honor your sister’s memory. It has touched my heart to see you carry this series on to completion.
This is so amazing!! What a beautiful tribute!
Sister love is the best! What a gift Beth gave to Stacy and her family by fulfilling that dream. God is so good, even in the most difficult of situations.
Beth, what a beautiful way to honor Stacy. Thank you for sharing this, Becky. I never met Stacy in person, but had the privilege to chat with her on a Zoom interview for my blog when she published her debut novel. She was such a joy! Jesus radiated from her, and I could instantly see what a kind person she was. I know she is terribly missed by all who knew and loved her.
What a sweet story. I love how you honored your sister Stacy, Beth. Congratulations on the book!
Thank you for sharing this story, Becky. I remember hearing about Stacy’s death. How wonderful you were able to finish your sister’s story, Beth. That is truly a sister’s love. Praying for you and Stacy’s whole family as you grieve and yet celebrate her life.
Thank you for sharing this sweet story of a sister’s love and the impact of Stacy’s life. We will never know this side of heaven the legacy we leave. May it be like yours and Stacy’s, full of grace and truth, and love.
Beth, what a beautiful way to show your love for your sister. Well done!
As one of four sisters (one in heaven) this story brought tears to my eyes. Thanks so much for sharing it, Becky. And Beth, what a sweet thing you did for your sister—and for all who will read your beautiful story.
Oh my, thank you for sharing this story! Beth what a special gift you gave your sister and her family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I am ordering this set for my church’s library.
Becky, you did such an amazing job capturing our time with Stacy. You brought me to tears. She was so loved and so very missed. And what a great sister she has in Beth. You and she both taught me to “take it like Stacy.” Thank you, Becky.
Aww, Beth…what a wonderful way to honour Stacey. Absolutely wonderful.
Oh my goodness, what a blessing her sister was able to finish the story! Thankful for the precious time you had together.
Okay, crying now.
Beth, I’m sorry for your loss. What an amazing thing you’ve done – it’s so hard to carry on after a huge loss but what a help this must’ve been to have this wonderful work to focus on and the stories to live in. I definitely will be reading all three of these books. Much love to you and your family.
A beautiful tribute to your friend.