Debbie Simpson

Debbie was born in Dallas, TX on March 1, 1955, to Samuel O. Bellah and Mary Elizabeth Carlton Bellah. She graduated from Bryan Adams High School. Debbie received her Associate degree from Eastfield College and later her Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Amberton University in 1994.

Debbie began her career at the Dallas Teachers' Credit Union, now Credit Union of Texas, beginning as a Teller and serving in several different roles, including Loan Officer. She retired after working for 43 years, receiving numerous awards and commendations for her exemplary work.

During her school years, Debbie excelled academically and enjoyed writing original poems and creative writing stories. She was blessed to grow up with neighborhood friends affectionately dubbed "The Mapleton Street Gang". These lifelong friends tumbled in the yard showing off their favorite gymnastic stunts, played Swinging Statue, Freeze Tag, Hopscotch, Pass the Football and Blind Man's Bluff. They wore matching blue work shirts bought from the local Army/Navy store embroidered with their nicknames, engaged in water balloon fights at midnight, packed into a car to go toilet papering friends' houses, and took turns hosting many a sleepover. Friends who became family were a big part of Debbie's life, from childhood, lasting her whole life.

Debbie married in 1977 and daughter Angela was born in 1979. Debbie’s first grandchild was born in 2001 christening her with the new name of MomMom. Debbie has been known as MomMom ever since. She was very involved with her grandchildren, supporting them in all their school and extracurricular activities. She never missed a soccer game for Haley, a dance/drill team performance for Makenna, or a theatre performance for Ethan. Equally proud of her great-grandchildren, she was thrilled when Haley and Makenna brought Antonio and Isabella to visit her.

The same childhood friends who became family visited Debbie during her hospital stays at Christian Care Center, Willow Bend Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and The Waterford at Mesquite. Many others visited Debbie and sent her cards and gifts-letting her know how much she positively impacted their lives. Debbie and "The Sisters" engaged in fun SISTER SHENANIGANS wherever she went making friends along the way. Crazy 8s, Scrabble, Sequence and Gospel Singing became new favorite activities as well as singing along to Golden Oldies and Patsy Cline. Debbie reveled in visits from family, friends, and loved ones. All of her caregivers and friends knew all about her daughter, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren and might have heard a few stories about them and been shown their pictures a million times or two.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother, Samuel Carlton Bellah; and a host of other dear family and friends.

Debbie is survived by her daughter, Angela Phillips; grandchildren, Haley Ward Soto and husband, Adan, Makenna Ward, Ethan Ward; great-grandchildren, Antonio Carter Soto, Isabella Jenae Frausto; sisters, Cathy Bellah Pinnell and husband, Craig, Jenean Bellah; nephew, Sam Pinnell as well as other close family and friends.

A visitation for Debbie will be held at Grove Hill Funeral Home, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228, on May 27, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A graveside service will take place at Grove Hill Memorial Park, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228, on May 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.

Debbie's memorial service will be held at The Waterford at Mesquite, 700 N Town East Blvd, Mesquite, TX 75150, on May 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.