Katherine Earline Simpson

Earline Woodard Simpson, 86, died December 1, 2014. Born in Scottsboro, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Willie Anderson Woodard and Birdie Ann Hopkins Woodard. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James C. Matheny, and a son James C. Matheny, Jr., and her second husband, James B. Simpson.

At age 5 a life changing event occurred when her father was killed while working as a lineman for a power company. Her mother later remarried William E. Cowden and “poppy” raised Earline from the age of eight years old. She grew up in Petersburg, Tennessee, as an only child.

She retired as a teacher’s aid from Senter School, Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1990. She moved to Athens, Georgia in 1996 to be near her only surviving son, David W. Matheny and his wife, Becky Matheny and her two grandchildren, Leigh Ellen Matheny Hubbard and husband, Greg of Atlanta, and Mary Catherine Matheny of Atlanta. Special appreciation goes to Wanda Disher, her longtime care giver and friend.

Earline enjoyed her final years in Athens as a grandmother to her girls. After moving to Athens, she became an active member of First Baptist Church and the Jewel Sunday School Class. She was also a faithful participant of the “mall walkers” where she developed many special friendships.

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park on Thursday, December 4 at 11 am with Dr. Paul Baxley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial gifts can be made to First Baptist Church of Athens, 355 Pulaski St, Athens, GA 30601.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.