Lois Irene Simpson

Lois Irene Ross Simpson, age 95, of Crossett, Ark. passed away on August 14, 2011. She was born on December 20, 1915 on her father's homestead at Fountain Hill, AR. Mrs. Simpson attended Arkansas A&M for two years and began her lifelong career as an elementary school teacher in her home town. It was during the great depression when jobs were scarce and after several years, she would explain, "it is someone else's turn to have the job." Her next job was in the small rural community of Bayou Meto Arkansas, where a local bare foot boy stole her heart and defined the rest of her life. Soon after she and Harvey Simpson married on April 15, 1941, World War II put everything on hold. He served in the Army and she followed him to Fort Sill, Fort Dix and Fort Bragg before returning to Crossett to teach and wait while he helped win the war in Europe. She taught school more than 30 years. Her life was always defined by her husband and her family. Mrs. Simpson was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Margaret Ross; daughter, Martha and husband, Harvey; her brother, Harvey Ross and sisters, Ollie Evans, Evie Kilcrease and Vera Smith. Survivors include: two daughters, Jessie Simpson, Connie Nell Smith; one brother, Virgil Ross; sons-in-law, William Hoover, Michael Smith; grandchildren, James Bailey (Jenni), Steven Smith (Keesha), Michael Bailey, Martha Lois Smith, Nora Smith and great-grandchildren, Harvey Lois Bailey, Luke Bailey and Skyla Nell Wood. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Bro. Eric Hodge, Bro. David Tohlen and the Rev. Judyth Ross officiating. Interment will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice.com). Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Nursery Fund, 1533 Hwy. 52 W, Crossett, AR 71635. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., Wednesday at the church.