Thelma Luella Simpson, 89, formerly of Benton Harbor, MI passed away Friday, November 9, 2018 at her home in Peoria, AZ where she resided these last five years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, November 19, 2018 at 11:30 AM with Pastor Louis W. Staubs officiating. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Monday at the St. Joseph Church of the Nazarene, 3351 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to sign Thelma’s guestbook may do so at the church or online at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Church of the Nazarene.
Thelma was born on December 9, 1928 in Benton Harbor, MI to Arvil and Nettie (Sloan) Stump. As a young child, she grew up on a farm in Fennville, Allegan County and lived an idyllic life, close to nature which she dearly loved her whole life. While in high school, her father found a job in Benton Harbor, so the family returned to that city, where she met a young man who would soon become her husband, James Simpson.
Both eager to begin life together and start a family, they married on February 27, 1946. While he began a long career as a working man at Whirlpool, Thelma managed their one-room rented house until they bought a three-room house across the street in anticipation of a growing family. When all three children finally arrived, they moved again into a much larger house which they built together from a design she sketched out. They were now settled in, for the next 55 years — until they moved to Arizona.
In addition to raising the children with Jim, Thelma also worked at the VM Corporation and later at the Chicken Coop for more than a decade and which she also managed.
Most important for the development and stability of family life, Thelma and Jim joined the local Church of the Nazarene where they worshipped and served in various capacities for over 60 years. At times Thelma was a Sunday School teacher and served on the church board, and was a life-long solo vocalist expressing her love of church and family.
Thelma and Jim had a fulfilling life together for 71 years — until he was taken home 10 months ago. They led life as it should be led, with unbounded love of family and in accordance with a higher calling. For this, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be forever grateful.
Thelma is survived by daughters Mary (Lee) Long of Peoria, AZ and Judy (Les) Peters, of Surprise, AZ; son Jimmy (Sherry) Simpson of Los Altos Hills, CA; five grandsons, three great grandsons, and four great granddaughters.
Thelma was preceded in death by husband Jim, her sisters Luella DeWitt and Mollie Stump, and her parents Arvil and Nettie Stump.