Jerry Hawkins Simpson of Odenville, Alabama after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease; at the age of 75 crossed that river Jordan on May 15, 2019 while surrounded by his beloved wife and family. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Odenville, Alabama; a graduate of the class of 1962 St. Clair High School. His career at American Cast Iron Pipe Company spanned over four decades and at his retirement he was a Foreman. Jerry met and won the heart of Martha Drummonds and they became Jerry and Martha Simpson who whispered those revered words “til death do us part.” Two years later God blessed them with a bouncing baby boy who became their pride and joy and for many years now father and son were each other’s best friends. Jay too went on to find his life mate and Emily became Jerry and Martha’s dear daughter in love. These two gave Jerry and Martha one of life’s greatest gifts when Aly Simpson arrived to win the heart of this gentle giant, Jerry Simpson.
His legacy was now completed as God had gifted him with a Proverb’s wife, a son who grew into another gentle giant, who was described in the Scripture as “a perfect gift from above and who comes from the Father”, a daughter who is described perfectly in the book of 1 Peter as “letting her adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”, which in God’s sight (and Jerry’s) is very precious. Fourteen years ago, God gave Jerry that what he sorely desired; a grandchild to love and hold and Aly Simpson soon became the family sweetheart and he gained another name; that of Pawpaw and she became “Lil Bit”. Their bond was made evident in these last days as Aly would sit and gently sing songs of faith and hope as her beloved Papaw went into the gentle goodnight.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father Otis Simpson, mom Bertha Simpson, one brother Lewis (Cooter) Simpson, and one nephew Terry Simpson. Jerry is survived by his wife Martha, one son Jay, one daughter-in-love Emily, sister in love Betty Simpson, sister in love June Pike and her husband Eddie Pike. Jerry also leaves behind a host of family, co-workers and friends who through the years have walked beside him and his family throughout life.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and love for Home Instead of Gadsden and especially to Barbara, Hope, and Brittany. The family also wishes to thank Southern Care New Beacon Hospice; Dr Noah Fitzpatrick, Randi Lynn, Amy Waddell, Lindsey Elliott, Cory Waddell, Jozlyn Saxton, Jean Roberts, and Christopher Haralson (Chaplain) for their warm, gentle, loving, and understanding touch as they cared for Jerry in his valley walk. A heartfelt thanks goes out to those friends “who are closer than a brother”; Ray and Julia Falkner, Jack and Sandy Banks and Charlie and Joyce Sewell, and Angela Kay who have drawn close and circled Jerry’s family in these last days.
Jerry’s body will lie in state at Kilgore funeral home 1750 Ashville Rd, Leeds, Al 35094 on May 17, 2019 and family will receive guests 6pm-8pm. The memorial service will be conducted by the reverends Norman LeCroy and Dewayne Banks on May 18, 2019 @ 2pm with special music by Angela Kay. The pallbearers are Brian Sparks, Robert Arnett, Jimmy Banks, Ray Falkner, Paul Brasher, and Jerry Mardis. Honorary Pallbearers are Jack Banks and Frank Graham. The interment will be on May 18, 2019 following the memorial service at Branchville Cumberland Church Cemetery located at 80 Hurst Rd, Branchville, Alabama 35120.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org, and with a grateful heart covet everyone’s continued prayers as they journey through this valley.
Visit us online www.kilgroefuneralhome.com
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