Bernice Melvin Simpson

Bernice Melvin Simpson, 74, passed away at Midtown Medical Center on Thursday, September 3, 2015. Having fought off Stage IV melanoma more than 18 years ago, and repeatedly fought off additional attacks of the cancer, she succumbed to massive infection apparently not related to that disease. Fortunately, this battle was relatively short, and she died peacefully with her family members present.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church, Columbus, with Dr. Jimmy Elder officiating, at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 6. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evening, September 5 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road and on Sunday in the church sanctuary following the funeral service. Interment will be private.

Mrs. Simpson was the daughter of the late John Calvin and Edith Henry Melvin. She retired from Civil Service in 1997 after 37 years with the Army. In addition to 25 years at Fort Benning, she served at Fort Bragg, Fort Leavenworth, and the Pentagon. Her last job was secretary to the Assistant Commandant of The Infantry School. She was the first civilian recipient of the Order of St. Maurice.

Bernice was paralyzed by melanoma at the age of 55 but was able to live a full life with the help of her husband of almost 49 years, who was her sole caregiver. That included being a member of First Baptist Church and the Grace Sunday School Class. She was also a proud member of the Jordan 59ers and attended all their reunions. She began serving as pianist of Second Baptist Church at age 11 and later became the organist, a position she held for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Colonel (Retired) Robert B. Simpson; her sister and best friend, Brenda Wilson and husband Jerry; her daughter, Reverend Stacey Simpson Duke and husband Reverend Dr. Paul Duke of Ann Arbor, Michigan; her son, Sloan Simpson of Athens, Georgia; and twin grandsons, Rob and Charlie Duke.

Bernice was known for her flaming red hair, her love of Atlanta Braves baseball, and her weekly shopping trips with her sister. She will be remembered by many former colleagues as a highly competent administrator, by friends and acquaintances as a fighter who battled disease and pain with dignity, courage, and never a whimper of self-pity, and by her family as a loving and devoted mother and wife who was adored and will be missed beyond measure.