Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”
Dignity, integrity, faith and strength are words that describe Paula “Melaine” Hermeone Simpson—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend.
Paula (affectionately known as “Melaine” and “Melanie”) was born in Sherwood Forest, Portland Parish, Jamaica on June 24, 1930 to Clementina Elizabeth Harris. She was blessed to be adopted by her grandfather, Vernal Harris. She was the first of nine children. Through her loving and supportive family, Paula inherited a legacy of compassion, service, generosity, loyalty, and dedication.
Paula was the epitome of a godly and virtuous woman—strong in her faith and anchored in Jesus Christ, even to the end. As an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, she held many positions over the years and last served at Patmos SDA Church with Adventist Community Services.
Paula married the love of her life, Headley Simpson and they have been together for over sixty years. They had three children: Paul Everton, Howard Emmanuel(deceased) and Jacqueline Angelia.
Paula attended primary and secondary school in Jamaica. She often reflected on her life changing experiences at West Indies Training College. She taught at Happy Grove Elementary School in Portland, Jamaica and later migrated to London, England to start a new career in nursing.
Paula was a dedicated nurse for sixty years of her life. After her nursing training and subsequent work in London, she crossed the waters and landed in New York. She earned her Bachelor of Science from St. Francis College and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Santa Monica. She worked faithfully at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, and Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. After retiring from Kingsbrook, Paula moved to Florida and continued to work and volunteer in the healthcare field.
While in Florida, Paula happily opened a store during what was supposed to be her retirement. “Paula’s Adorable Crafts” was launched and it was amazing. She sold beautiful crafts of all descriptions and was pleased that so many customers appreciated her talents.
In 2011, Paula with her husband, Headley, journeyed to Maryland so that they could be closer to their immediate family. It was there that Paula joined the O’Malley Senior Center and became very active. She taught knitting and crocheting classes there and made many friends. Since 2017, Paula became a resident of Lorien Nursing Home in Elkridge. Maintaining a positive attitude, she participated in several activities and yet again showed her love for crafts.
Paula also loved gardening, sewing, and cooking. One could always count on Paula to share items from her garden and trees such as: oranges, grapefruits, mint, thyme, callaloo, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers. Her escovitch fish, curried chicken and red peas soup, were family favorites. Paula was a “people person” and would always radiate light once she entered any room. That’s just who she was. Growing up on a farm, Paula loved all animals especially horses. Along with her husband, and family, she enjoyed travelling all over the world. Paula cherished her four grandchildren, Kenneth, Nicolas, Brandon and Sedona. They were the apples of her eye.
Paula touched many lives. We will miss her dearly. She is survived by her husband, Headley Simpson and two children, Paul Simpson(Sandra) and Jacqueline Farquharson(Andre); four grandchildren, Kenneth, Nicolas, Brandon and Sedona; four siblings in Jamaica-Clarice, Anita, Dassel, and Caroline Elizabeth ,and one sibling in England-Ewan. Paula will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces grandnephews, cousins, family and friends that cherish her dearly.
Paula is preceded in death by Her mother: Clementina Elleston; Her Grandfather: Vernal Harris Her Stepdad: James Elleston; Her Son: Howard ; and Her Sisters: May, Violet Rose and Lillian.
Due to COVID-19, Paula's Services and Interment will be private but please feel free to join the Services livestreamed on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 11:55 am through Paula's website page at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com or Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park Facebook page.
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