Cynthia "Sissy" Simpson

Cynthia “Sissy” Simpson (née Rattray), 102, of Palm Coast, was born on August 21, 1923, to Olive and George Rattray in Jackson Town, Montego Bay, Jamaica. After losing her mother at an early age, Cynthia and her siblings were raised by her aunt, Lucille. She recalled a close relationship with her father, a tailor, and went on to become a skilled seamstress herself.

Cynthia married Donald Simpson on November 8, 1947. Together they raised three children, Donovan, Doreen, and Ian, before emigrating to the United States in the late 1960s and settling in Stamford, Connecticut. There, Cynthia rose to a supervisory role at GTE Corporation, where she remained until her retirement in 1985. Cynthia and Donald later enjoyed a long and full retirement in Palm Coast, Florida, where they were committed members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, beloved neighbors, and active members of the Caribbean community. In her later years, Cynthia attended First Baptist Church of Palm Coast with her daughter, Doreen.

Cynthia’s life in Palm Coast was marked by service at St. Thomas. She assisted with organizing rummage sales, knitted blankets, and created quilts for those in need. An award-winning master quilter and member of the Memory Makers Quilt Guild, she delighted in sharing her creations with family and friends, each piece a reflection of her care, skill, and creativity.

In 2008, Cynthia and Donald renewed their commitment to Christ and were baptized in the Atlantic Ocean. Together, they pursued a relationship with Him marked by dedicated Bible study and an active prayer life. She loved to worship through song, especially old hymns such as Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Cynthia composed many prayers and carefully transcribed others in her beautiful penmanship. Some she shared with her children and grandchildren; others remain a treasure for those she leaves behind.

Cynthia is predeceased by her husband of nearly 68 years, Donald; siblings, Roy, Ralston, Barbara, and Morris; infant daughter, Jennifer; grandson, Donovan; and many dear friends.

She is survived by three children, Donovan (Paula), Doreen, and Ian (Margaret); seven grandchildren, Michele (Rick), Judith (Chris), David (LaShawn), Anthony, Stephen (Ashley), Andrew (Margaret), and Catherine; eleven great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Ethan, Daniel, Stephan, Evan, Rachel, Callum, Noah, Levy, Leo, and Callum.

Sissy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her life was marked by diligence, excellence, creativity, faithfulness, generosity, and an enduring relationship with Jesus Christ that sustained her for more than a century. Sissy now rests in the presence of the Lord she trusted.