LaNell was born at home in Valley Mills, Texas, on July 17, 1926, to Bob and Della (Hart) Reed. She grew up surrounded by family, including her six siblings and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. LaNell graduated from Valley Mills High School in 1944 and attended Western Union school in Missouri and worked for Western Union in Abilene. She also worked at the McGregor bomb factory to help support the war effort.
In July of 1945, she married the love of her life, Gordon Simpson, who had just returned home from the war, and began their 53 years of marriage. They settled down in Waco to start their family, welcoming sons Ken and Gary and daughter Becky, before moving in 1962 to Fort Worth, where she would reside the rest of her life. LaNell spent her time caring for her family, serving as a PTA mom, Cub Scout den mother, and Campfire Girl leader.
LaNell was active in her community. LaNell gave of her time at Meadowbrook-Poly United Methodist Church, her church home for the last 64 years. She was also a dedicated member of the Upper Room Sunday school class. In addition to church, she volunteered for over 15 years at Harris Hospital, delivering cards and flowers until she was 90 years old. LaNell was also an active member of Swingtime Dance Club for over a decade, and she worked at The Giftbox Shop. She enjoyed playing 42, Chicken Foot, and other games with friends.
But her most cherished time was time spent with her family. LaNell often traveled back to her beloved hometown, Valley Mills. She did things with her family she would not have done on her own, like camping, boating, and traveling the world with Gordon. LaNell treasured her time spent with her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. As the last member of her generation, she also had a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews. LaNell was patient, humble, caring, and generous with her time and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
LaNell is preceded in death by her beloved husband Gordon, her son Ken, her parents, and her six siblings. She is survived by her son Gary Simpson, daughter Becky Marion and husband Rex, and daughter-in-law Kim Simpson, as well as grandchildren Kerry (Eric) Sandberg, Zachary (Kenzie) Simpson, Melissa (Tony) Collett, and Tanner Simpson, along with her five great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Sloane Sandberg, Jack and Harper Collett, and Cassia Simpson, and a number of nieces and nephews and cousins.
A visitation will be held at Laurel Land Rose Hill Funeral Home on Friday, October 9th from 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11 am at Meadowbrook-Poly United Methodist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, followed by a burial at Valley Mills Cemetery, Valley Mills, Texas, at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meadowbrook-Poly United Methodist Church or Eastside Ministries.
