Velma Simpson

Velma Marie Simpson of Grove, Oklahoma went home to be with her Lord at 7:55 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2008 at Integris Grove General Hospital. She was 96. Velma was born on February 19, 1912 at Strang, Oklahoma to William T. and Janie (Smith) Parsons. Velma was the last survivor of seven sisters. She graduated from 8th Grade at Strang. On December 9, 1926 she married Floyd Benjamin Simpson. They had lived in Missouri, Oklahoma and California. Floyd and Velma lived in California for a number of years where they worked as Property Managers of apartments for Rubin Properties. While living in Redlands, California they managed the Hillcrest Inn Hotel for many years. In 1971, Velma and Floyd moved from Langley, Oklahoma to Grove where they were the managers of Evergreen Resort in Grove. Velma loved her Lord and while still in good health, she was a very active member of Community of Christ Church. She also loved people and was heavily involved in charity work with the Grove Mission Thrift Store which assists those in need with utilities, rent, etc. Velma never met a stranger and she was known as "the lady with the hat". On December 26, 2000, she was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Floyd Simpson. She was also preceded in death by one son, Joseph William Simpson in 1996; one daughter, Loretta Mae Adair in 2002; one grandson, Steven Michael Simpson; and six sisters. Survivors include one son, Kenneth Gene Simpson and his wife Elizabeth of Neosho, Missouri; two daughters, Geneva Maxine Williams, her husband is deceased, of Grove, Oklahoma and Barbara Darlene Turner and her husband Ronald of Leawood, Kansas; 15 grandchildren, John Simpson, Terry Simpson, Linda Simpson, David Simpson, Tracy Peeler, Neil Owens, Debbie Robbins, Jim Owens, Velma Howell, Deb McNair, Todd Dodge, Randy Dodge, Craig Simpson, Tina Shadwick and Jeff Simpson; 32 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 28, 2008 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Ellis Family Funeral Home in Grove, Oklahoma. A graveside service will be on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri with Elder Nolan Scarberry officiating. Pallbearers will be Craig Simpson, Brice Shadwick, Derrick Shadwick, Bob Owens, Dell Wayne Davis, and Chris Howell. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Family Funeral Home of Grove, Oklahoma.

Service Details

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008, Osborne Memorial Cemetery

Interment Details

Osborne Memorial Cemetery