Dorothy A. Simpson

Dorothy Ann Simpson (Johnson) was born on April 12th, 1938, in North Hampton, Virginia to Mother - Bernice Johnson (Church) and Father Charles Johnson. The family moved from Virginia to Oyster Bay, NY in 1940. Dorothy Graduated from Oyster Bay High School in 1956. She also studied psychology at C.W. Post (LIU) College on Long Island, NY.

Mrs. Simpson dedicated most of her life as a housewife, supporting her Husband, their six children, her mother and other extended family members who lived in the home. Dorothy was a committed member and servant to her community. She had short but impactful periods of employment at Elwood School District as the Infamous "Hall Monitor" and she helped to facilitate the Youth Directions & Alternative (YDA) community program. She also served as Director for Project Play, a summer camp program for under privileged youth on Long Island. Dorothy also facilitated neighborhood beautification projects, donation drives and field trips for neighborhood youth. The doors of her home were always open to the needy. No one was ever a stranger, and everyone was always welcomed into her family and heart with open arms.

On January 20, 1957, Dorothy married William Simpson. Their union of love produced six beautiful children. Dawn Stewart (Simpson), Darren Simpson (late), David Simpson, Gary Simpson (late), Joan Simpson, and Teddy Simpson. Also raised in the home was Beth Ann Dowdell (Johnson) (late), and Jacob Bradley Palmer Ill.

Mrs. Simpson created a legacy of love raising and serving as a mother to countless others throughout her lifetime. She was known for the love that she had towards her family, especially for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would constantly brag about their accomplishments. They were the pride and joy of her life.

Family has always been at the forefront of Dorothy's life, instilling core values, principles of Christianity, and kindness throughout her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dorothy also loved her siblings and their families deeply.

Hard work and dedication were grounded in Dorothy's life. She was a true "Diamond". Dorothy also provided childcare in her home for many years, while also investing in the lives of other members throughout her family and members of her community as a mentor and friend.

In 1991, following the retirement of her late husband William Simpson from Grumman Aerospace, the family (Willie, Dorothy, Darren, Gary, Joan, Teddy and Grandmother Bernice Johnson), moved from New York to Kansas City, Missouri to be closer to their daughter Dawn and her husband Ray Stewart, when their first Grandchildren were born

Dorothy served first at Deerbrook Covenant Church in Lees Summit, Missouri and later at Church Grace and Truth Baptist Church in Independence, Missouri for 14 years until her health prevented her attendance.  She was a devoted member who spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns to raise support for the church Youth Ministry.

Dorothy also attended Mount Olive Baptist Church in Oyster Bay, NY from her youth until the family moved to Huntington, New York, where she joined and served at "Church of Christ" in Greenlawn until she moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1991.

Throughout her life, children and young adults referred to Dorothy as either Ms. Simpson or Aunt Dorothy, and her many friends referred to her as Dottie. Her children regardless of their age always called her … "Mommy".

Dorothy loved to cook and entertain with her family and friends. Food was her passion. She hosted countless neighborhood parties, family gatherings and vacation events. She loved her Kitchen and enjoyed sitting outside on her covered patio with her Husband Willie. Her house was filled every Sunday and every Holiday with family and friends who enjoyed her delicious meals and the loving fellowship with one another.

Dorothy's hobbies included cooking, decorating (She did a lot of decorating), shopping, crafting, trips to the Pocono's and singing. Her favorite Hymn was "ln the Garden". During the early to mid-sixties, Dorothy performed with the "Oysterettes" singing group promoted by Radio Producer Alan Freed, performing at nightclubs across Long Island and the five boroughs.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Bernice Johnson, Her Husband, William Simpson, her children Gary Simpson and Darren Simpson. Her siblings, Charles Johnson Jr, Bobby Johnson, Van Dyke Johnson, and Ruby Johnson.

She leaves to mourn, her sisters Brooksie Session (Johnson), Helen Palmer (Johnson), Emma Lerner (Johnson) and Silvia Kibe Quintana. Her children, Dawn Stewart (Simpson), David Simpson, Joan Simpson and Teddy Simpson. Eight Grandchildren, Demetrius Stewart, Tayler Awad (Stewart), Brianna Simpson, David Michael Simpson, Saige Kintaudi (Simpson), Chelsea Simpson, Marion Simpson, and Step-Grandson Jaylen Jones (Simpson). Five Great Grandchildren, Jacie Brown (Simpson), Olivia Podewin (Stewart) David Grey Simpson, Mael Kintaudi (Simpson), Michael Awad (Stewart) , and a host of family, friends, and other loved ones.