Lillie Mae Simpson

A service to celebrate her life will be held Friday December 15, 2023, at International Praise Church with Bishop Doyle Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 am until 11:45 am prior to the service at the church.

A native of Olanta, Lillie was born September 16, 1951, the daughter of Willie Mae Major and Reverend L.C. “Pete” Graham. She grew up in Ft. Pierce, Florida, where she met the love of her life at church. Lillie was a devoted wife for 43 years to Tommy Simpson until his death in 2018. Together, they travelled the United States while he served as a Minister of Music before settling down in Waycross, GA, to pastor a church themselves. They then moved to Brunswick, GA, where she started a cosmetology business. A caregiver by nature and known as Mom to many, Lillie also served here as a part time teacher’s aide as well as a disabilities special needs direct care specialist. During this time, she discovered a new talent and embarked on a career as an artist, mainly concentrating in abstract oil and acrylic painting derived from her spiritual influence. One of her proudest moments was when she had the opportunity to showcase her artwork in the well-known Agora Art Gallery in New York City.

After her husband passed, she continued in the Pastoral ministry for some time but later felt the calling to concentrate online evangelism via social media. In 2022, to spend more time with her brother and sisters, she made Columbia her full time home and fell in love with International Praise Church.

In addition to her parents and husband, Pastor Tommy Simpson, she is predeceased by her siblings Redell Major, Edith Major, Levern Graham, Jr., Orell Graham, and Delores Cockfield. Those left to cherish her memories include her children Antwon Simpson (Shirley), Ava White, Tomi Simpson, and Fayth Polite (Alvin); ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and siblings Liza Mclam (Ortis), James Major (Gloria), Margaret Hanna, Bertha Tano, Georgette Snell (Charles), Dell McKenzie, Debra McFadden, and Howard Graham; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Lillie was loved dearly but God loved her best.

Humbly submitted – The Family.