Paula Dell Simpkins

Born in Washington, DC, raised in College Park, MD, then lived in Southern MD until she moved to Hudson, FL for retirement. She returned home to Maryland for her final months, while fighting her battle with cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Echard and Mary Etta Echard, brother, Eugene William Echard, sister, Mary Louise Best, her precious daughter, Melissa Ann McDonald and husband, Richard (Dick) Simpkins.

She is survived by her daughter, Denise Anderson, son, Jimmy McDonald, daughter-in-law, Nicole McDonald, grandchildren, Rylie McDonald and Sullivan McDonald, her bonus children, Sherri Franzoi, Robin Simpkins and Brice Simpkins; brother-in-law, Mike best, along with her 4 nieces and their families who all knew her as Auntie Paula.

The youngest of 3 children, she was a sweet, silly, and lively child with a wonderful imagination. As a teen, she loved to go dancing at the teen clubs in Beltsville and College Park. Motown was her favorite, but her taste in music throughout her life was broad, from show tunes to hard rock. As an adult, she worked hard, loved hard, and cared for everyone around her: her children, other people’s children, her husband, her family, and her friends. She never sat still—always cooking, cleaning, or wiping a little one’s face, she kept a lovely home that was always clean and organized, and at the same time very homey and welcoming. Children were drawn to her. For several years she was a wonderful daycare provider who was always nurturing, caring, and most of all, fun! She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was patient, kind, and forgiving, and rarely raised her voice unless it was to say something funny or to sing a silly song. Her hugs were warm and healing. All she wanted was to be loved and always made sure those around her felt loved—even if it meant sacrificing her own comfort. Her warm heart, infectious laugh and beautiful smile will be eternally missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly.

Please join us for a memorial gathering Thursday, December 19th anytime between 3:00pm and 8:00pm at the Tidewater Colony Clubhouse, 2000 Governor Thomas Bladen Way, Annapolis, MD 21401. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).