Deaconess Jessie Louise Simpson, 83, of Palm Coast, transitioned on Sunday, July 31, 2016, at Florida Hospital Flagler, Palm Coast. A native of Bourbon County, KY, she resided in Palm Coast since 1999, moving from Silver Springs, MD. She was a graduate of the Fayette County (Lexington) KY School District and earned a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Kentucky State University. Over her stellar teaching career, she taught at several elementary schools in the states of Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Maryland. On January 11, 1958, Jessie united in marriage to the love of her life, Dr. Clay E. Simpson, Jr., in Lexington. The couple resided in multiple U.S. cities and abroad as a military family before retiring in Palm Coast where she became a beloved member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church for the past 17 years. She served faithfully as a Deaconess, After-School Academic Enrichment & VBS Instructor, Joseph Tribe Family member, and in the Scholarship, Women's and Nursery Ministries. Jessie was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, charter member of Chi Delta Omega Chapter of AKA, Palm Coast and a longtime member of the local NAACP and African American Cultural Society (AACS).

She leaves to cherish her memories: devoted husband of 58 years, Dr. Clay E. Simpson, Jr., Palm Coast; daughter, Dr. Helen (Richard) Lias, Sanford; son, Clay E. Simpson, III, Dallas, TX; 3 beloved grandchildren, Cayla and Cori Simpson, Emile Lias; sister, Julia (Percy) James, Mitchellville, MD; 3 sisters-in-law, Margaret, Viola and Barbara Johnson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 4-6 p.m., Sunday, August 7 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity" and 10-11 a.m. Monday at the church. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m., Monday, August 8, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway South, Palm Coast, Reverend Edwin Coffie, Pastor, is the Eulogist. Memorial contributions may be sent in memory of Deaconess Jessie Louise Simpson: "Debt Retirement Fund," Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway South, Palm Coast, FL 32164.