Phyllis J. Simpson
Phyllis Jean Simpson, 84, of Charlotte, died peacefully August 21, 2018 at her home. A beloved member of the community who devoted her life to God and to helping others, she was born July 30, 1934 in Rochester, Mich. to Hiram and Mildred (Abbott) Barney. Phyllis graduated from Vermontville High School in 1952 and then married John Simpson on August 29, 1954 at Gresham United Methodist Church.
The central theme running through Phyllis’s life is that of nurturing. She cared for, and helped develop many organizations and causes she believed in. For example, she received the “Gold Clover” award and “Friend of 4-H” award from the 4-H club for 40 years of volunteer service, received the “Outstanding Farm Woman” award for her work with Farm Bureau on many projects, including “Ag in the Classroom,” was awarded the “Emerald Award” from the Eaton County Youth Fair, spent 50 years in the Extension Club of Eaton County, worked with the Chester Township election board for decades, and was a UMW member and secretary to the advisory board for more than 25 years at Gresham United Methodist Church — where she faithfully served by making the weekly programs, helping put on turkey suppers and ice cream socials, and caring for countless others.
Not only did Phyllis nurture others and her community, but she also loved to nurture plants. She could often be found tending to her garden — planting flowers or cultivating vegetables. She especially loved her strawberries and made delicious jam that the family loved. She and John loved their farm, where they have resided since 1963. Together, they were inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame in 2002. She was also a partner in Simpson Pioneer Seeds. Phyllis and John loved to travel – often on farm tours or with friends – and she was proud to say that she had been to all 50 states.
But the reason she will be remembered most is that Phyllis nurtured relationships. First, and foremost, she served God every day. She got up and read her Bible for an hour each morning, developing her faith and her spirituality. She never said a bad word about others, but devoted her life to being accepting, loving, and kind. She was devoted to her marriage and her family, and loved her children and grandchildren dearly.
Phyllis is survived by her husband of nearly 64 years, John Simpson; children, Marilyn (Stanley) Marshall, Wayne (Sandy) Simpson, Diane (Sheldon) Enterline; grandchildren, Angel Andrews, Kathleen Marshall, Samantha (Lam Pham) Marshall, Josh (Lindsay) Simpson, Jason Ross, Josh Ross, and Jeff Ross; great-grandchildren, Kalli (Matt) Mongar, Kadence Andrews; great- great-granddaughter, Aubree Mongar; siblings, Louise (Richard) Todd, Leonard (Bonnie) Barney; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Marvel (LaMarr) Weers, Max (Sandy) Simpson, Lois (Ken) Klumpp, Albert (Jaynne) Simpson, and Roy (Krys) Simpson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved grandson, Clifford Marshall.
Friends are encouraged to support Phyllis’s family at visitation and funeral services, with visitations on Saturday, August 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 26, from 1 to 4 p.m., and Funeral Services on Monday, August 27 at 10 a.m., with Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating.
If desired, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Lansing or the Gresham United Methodist Church Memorial Fund for a new roof on the church building.
Please share memories of Phyllis on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com.