Dilma Ara Sanders Simpson

Dilma Ara Simpson, 86, of Byhalia peacefully passed away with her daughter by her side Tuesday morning, June 20, 2017 at Methodist Hospice Healthcare in Memphis. Mrs. Simpson was born in Lafayette County Mississippi on November 17, 1930 to the late Meadie Carlton Sanders and Beulah Crain. She was the middle of three sisters, the late Doris Childress of Oxford, Ms, and Fay Boyett of Starkville, MS. Dilma was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as of Saturday, June 17. She graduated from University High School in Oxford, MS and from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Home Economics. On December 26, 1954 she married Robert Ross Simpson. They were married for 57 years. She taught Home Economics for one year, first grade for four years, and completed a semester teaching fourth grade at Byhalia Schools. For 36 years she shared her love of learning and the value of education by serving as a World Book Representative. She was an active and faithful member of Byhalia United Methodist Church, Serving in multiple organizations and sharing her many talents. She was a member of the Byhalia Garden Club serving in many capacities from procuring interesting and informative speakers to preparing delicious gourmet dishes. She is survived by daughter Karen Kay Simpson, son Robert Ross Simpson, II, his wife Yvonne Hurdle Simpson, and son Bradley Carlton Simpson, and his wife Laurin Wood Simpson. She also leaves four grandsons; Robert Ross “Robby” Simpson, III, his wife Jaclyn Houston Simpson, Cory Wayne Simpson, Bradley Carlton, Jr. and Richard Darren Simpson, and a new great-granddaughter, Carsyn Landry Simpson. She was greeted in heaven by one sibling, Doris Childress, her husband Robert Ross Simpson, two daughters; Sandra Fay and Deborah Ellen Simpson, and one grandson, William Ryan Simpson. Visitation will be Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Byhalia United Methodist Church from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Service will begin at 2:00. Interment will follow at Byhalia Cemetery in Byhalia, MS.