Nancy JoAnn Simpson

Nancy JoAnn Simpson, 71, of Florence, Texas, entered into the presence of her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at her home surrounded by her loving family. The family will receive friends from 9:00-11:00 am on Friday, December 17, 2010 in the sanctuary of Lawler Baptist Church, 151 County Road 230 in Florence, Texas. Brother Roy Smith will officiate over a service celebrating her life and faith at 11:00 am in the church. Interment will follow in Lawler Cemetery. Nancy was born July 18, 1939, to Francis Lawson and Annie Emma (Kurth) Reed in Austin, Texas. She grew up in the area attending Austin High School. She married Jimmy Ray Simpson, Sr. on January 1st, 1955. The couple settled in Austin where Nancy went about her business of raising and caring for her family. Nancy’s passion for children’s needs and development caused her to step out beyond her own biological children and become a foster mother with The Marywood Home to over 500 other children in need of her special care. When not caring for children, Nancy loved to draw and sew. She was a faithful member in worship at Lawler Baptist Church. Nancy leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 55 years, Jimmy Ray, Sr.; her devoted children, Carol Diane Robinson, Terry Sue and husband Edwin Eugene Stabeno, Sandra Gayle and husband James Edward Davis, Jimmy Ray Simpson, Jr., Tracy Lynn Simpson, Kristal Marie Simpson, Trishoune Renee Simpson, Kenisha Rashon Simpson, Kenneth Ray Simpson, and Ashley Danielle Simpson; her adored grandchildren, Keith Alan Rohan, Ashley Nicole Davis, Renee Chante Brown, and Danisha Ann Moody; a precious great-grandchild, Ian Nicholas Rohan; and a beloved brother, Charles M. Reed also survives.