Estelle Martin Simpson

Estelle Virginia Martin , 94, returned to her heavenly father Sunday, February 03, 2013 while living at the Altenheim Home in Louisville, KY.

She was born to the late Will and Myrtle Blaine Martin on June 19, 1918, in Steward County, Tenn. She was a highly educated woman, receiving her BA from Kentucky State University and her Masters from Western Kentucky University.

Estelle spent many years as a teacher an taught in Allensville, KY., at Booker T. Washington Elementary in Hopkinsville, KY., and was a Math Specialist at Bashford Manor Elementary in Louisville, KY. Her love of education and knowledge was true inspiration to those around her, especially her children.

Her passion for education was not the only gift Estelle received while attending Kentucky State University. Estelle and her late husband, Frank Simpson met on campus and fell in love. From there, they spent 68 cherished years together as man a wife.

When Estelle was not teaching, she was sewing beautiful quilts, making unique pottery, working with her abundance of gorgeous plants and cooking gourmet meals. On holidays, family and friends would gather around Estelle’s dining table and enjoy her delicious food, and warm and welcoming spirit. Her laughter was contagious and her generosity unrivaled.

Throughout her years she attended several churches; Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Miles Memorial C.M.E. Church, and Philips Memorial C.M.E. Church. She was also a devoted member of the Kentucky State University Alumni Association. Estelle was active in the Louisville Chapter of the Links Incorporated for over 30 years.

Left to carry on her beautiful memory are her children, Dr. Oliver B. Simpson and his wife Dolly of Huston, Texas and Dr. Rosetta W. Hassan of Cerritos, Calif; four grandchildren, Atty. Jabari Willis, Dr. Dalila Simpson, Dr. Tijani Hassan, and Aliya Hassan; along with a host of very special nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Frank Simpson; four brothers, Stokley Martin, Ploma Martin, Smith Martin and Booker Martin; along with four sisters, Vester Martin, Rosa Jefferson, Treva Tyler, and Helen Williams.

As we remember Estelle Simpson, her love, passion for education and giving ways echo in our minds. We celebrate her life and are comforted by the knowledge that she is now reunited with her loving husband Frank, in God’s Kingdom.

A service in honoring Estelle will be held 12 noon on Saturday at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road. Entombment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

“While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil.”