Dr. Marinelle W. Simpson, age 91, of McDonough passed away on Friday, October 16, 2020 in her home. Dr. Simpson was born in Milner to the late Mr. George Ashley Weldon and the late Mrs. Clara L. Etheridge Weldon. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Ralph James Simpson and siblings Mrs. Kathleen Weldon Pinckney (Robert), Mr. Thomas Maurice Weldon (Betty), and Mr. Julian Ashley Weldon (Florine).
Dr. Simpson grew up in Lamar County on her family’s farm, where she learned the importance of hard work, family unity, education and community service. She was an avid 4-H’er. Her interests were singing, playing the piano, gardening, arts and crafts, and antiquing with her husband James.
She came to Henry County in 1950 as a recent graduate of the University of Georgia having received a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, cum laude. Initially in the position of Assistant Home Economist, she began working to expand both the 4-H program and Home Demonstration Clubs for the next 6 years, building the foundations for the current 4-H Club program in Henry County. During 1954 she was chosen to represent the state on an international experience exchange in Sweden for 6 months, where she lived in the homes of five families, bringing the Swedish culture to the citizens of the state through over 500 presentations to civic groups.
On May 1, 1955, she married Henry County native, James Simpson. They became the parents of three children, Gordon, Amanda, and Claralyn. It was during this time, that her career path turned to teaching, teaching Math, English and Science in Hampton. She continued her studies in earth sciences and astronomy through a National Science Grant and a Fellowship in the program on the UGA campus, which led to a Master’s Degree with a Science Education. Upon completion of her Master’s Degree, Marinelle returned to Henry County High School, teaching Science and Biology for the next 16 years. During these years she served as Future Teacher Adviser locally and was State Advisor for 1 year serving on the state board of GEA. In 1969, she led a group of 30 students from Henry and Butts Counties on a Future Teachers 30 day tour of Europe. During these years, she was honored at school level and county-wide Teacher of the Year. As the state began recognizing a degree step beyond the Master’s Education Degree, she obtained the Specialist Degree in Science in the first issuing of such a degree by the University System. This opened another doorway for service as she became the first ever woman administrator in Henry County at the High School level. Two years later, she was named Principal of Henderson Elementary School where she became the first female school Principal in Henry County. She remained the Principal at Henderson for the next 10 years until her retirement. During the Henderson years, she completed the requirements for the Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision. The degree was granted in 1985 and became her fourth degree from our state flag-ship university in the course of four decades. Dr. Simpson spent more than 50 years in dedicated educational service to the citizens of Henry County.
In 1991, Dr. Simpson retired from the Henry County School System and became a full time volunteer for various projects close to her heart: The Arts Alliance, The Henry County Scholarship Foundation, American Cancer Society, and Henry Clean and Beautiful. During her retirement, she maintained her affiliations with AARP (state and local), American Cancer Board, Georgia Retired Educators Association, Henry County Retired Educators Association, and Georgia Master 4-H Club lifetime member. In 2002, Dr. Simpson founded the Henry County Cancer Services, which provides a within the county support effort for Cancer Patients.
In her retirement she was awarded the first issued Margrit Broder Award “Woman of Substance” established by the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. She was an organizing, charter member of the Andrew McBride Chapter of NSDAR where she was awarded the “DAR Women in History Award” for her lifelong achievements.
She is survived by her children, son, Gordon Simpson of Locust Grove; daughters, Amanda (Kenny) Norsworthy of Jackson and Claralyn Simpson of McDonough; granddaughters, Ashley (Bryan) Hinkle of Dawsonville and Ramsey Jones of Locust Grove; grandson, Branan (Briana) Norsworthy of Locust Grove and seven great grandchildren Bryce Hinkle, Brady Hinkle, and Blakeley Hinkle of Dawsonville and Ava Norsworthy, Ella Norsworthy, Riley Norsworthy, Piper Norsworthy of Locust Grove.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 - 2:00 PM in the Haisten Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at McDonough City Cemetery. Friends may visit the family Friday from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions are asked to be made to Henry County Cancer Services in memory of Dr. Simpson.
