Lorena Cotts was born in Sherman, Texas on January 16, 1897, the youngest daughter of George and Willie Cotts. After marrying Samuel C. Simon in 1918 she moved to Port Arthur where she resided until her death in 1995. With musical aspirations, she attended the American Conservatory and the Julliard Music School before graduating from the Sherwood Music School in 1941. With state certification as a teacher of violin and piano, Simon proceeded to instruct the children of the Golden Triangle. Simon also enjoyed a career as an author, composer and publisher of both poetry and song, receiving national and international success. The subjects of Simon's compositions included children's themes and testimonies of faith as well as historical events such as The Battle of Sabine Pass. Her books of poetry included The Children's Hour, The Golden Keys and From My Heart. Her musical compositions were numerous including the theme song for the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs entitled In Search for Growth. Eventually Simon received a Doctorate of Literary Leadership from the International Academy of Leadership. In recognition of her accomplishments, Dr. Simon received numerous awards and honors. In 1961, Governor Price Daniel named her Poet Laureate of Texas. She was also named Poet Laureate of Port Arthur in 1962. In 1966, the United Poets Laureate International awarded Simon the title of Honorary Poet Laureate - Musician for her distinguished services in poetry, literature and music and in 1968 she was added to their Contemporary Poets International Hall of Fame. She was also recognized by Rome's Studio of Cultural Exchange and given the honor of Catholic Poet Laureate of the World and in 1969, Dr. Simon was a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her addition to London's Dictionary of International Biography included the statement that "the poems of Lorena Simon are read and spoken in many countries." Dr. Simon's compositions continue to provide inspiration and encouragement to those who read them.

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