Laura Jean Simpson-Bearden

Laura Jean Bearden passed away February 6, 2026 in Wolfforth, Texas, at the age of 95. Laura is predeceased by her parents, Gene and Tommye Birdwell. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Cathy Craft, and husband Mel of Wolfforth, son, David Simpson and wife Delaina of Freeport, Florida, grandchildren Ryan Cowan and wife Kerista, Tyler Cowan and wife Paige, Dillon Simpson, and Dustin Simpson, and great grandchildren, Ella Smithey, Kaitley Cowan, Jace Cowan, Finn Cowan and Hattie Cowan.

Laura was born in Lubbock, TX, on September 24, 1930 to Gene and Tommye Birdwell. Laura grew up in Levelland, Texas with her cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles. When she was five years old she began piano lessons with a neighbor across the street, Juanita Ratliff. This began her lifelong love of playing the piano.

Laura attended North Texas State College in Denton, Texas from 1948-1952. There she had the privilege of studying under renowned pianist Silvio Scionti and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music in 1952.

Laura married Bob Simpson on August 20, 1950 at Austin Street church of Christ in Levelland, Texas. He received his draft notice on their wedding day. They quickly moved to Chanute Air Force Base near Champaign, Illinois. Together they raised two children, Cathy and David. After a marriage of 37 years, Bob Simpson, predeceased Laura in 1988. She married James Bearden on September 6th, 1993 in her home. James passed September 4th, 2009. Family includes: James Bearden, Jr. and wife Sallie of New York; Michael Bearden and wife Galena (deceased) of Texas, and Julie Fine and husband Jerry Fine of Texas. Grandchildren include Sarah Kosa and husband Peter of Massachusetts, Cathryn Yang and husband Shizhou Nicholas Yang of Thailand, Capt. Robin Fine and husband Capt. David Bradley of Singapore and several great grandchildren.

Laura enjoyed playing the piano for her family and taught piano for over 70 years. She was an exemplary private piano teacher who produced excellent students. For many years she served as a National Guild judge. She was honored as the ‘Teacher of the Year’ by the Lubbock Music Teacher Association in 1981. Laura was featured in ‘Who’s Who of American Women’ as an accomplished woman in her field. In addition to the piano, Laura enjoyed playing the harp for senior citizen groups, weddings and assisted living homes.

She loved collecting antiques beginning in their time in Illinois. She devoted much of her time to teaching Bible class and grading World Bible School correspondence courses. Laura and Bob Simpson played an integral part in the formation of Sunset International Bible Institute in 1962. While living at Raider Ranch, Laura recruited former SIBI instructor, Nat Cooper, to conduct a weekly worship service for the residents.

The visitation and funeral service will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 5740 19th St, Lubbock, Texas on

February 17, with family officiating. Burial to follow at Levelland Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Fountain Hills in Wolfforth, especially Tyanya Smith. Special thanks to Hospice of Lubbock and nurse Cassandra Justus. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sunset International Bible Institute.