Deacon Emeritus Illinois Simpson

Illinois Simpson was born July 16, 1925 in the town of Marvyn, located in Russell County, Alabama. He was born to the union of John Edmond and Susie (Ingram) Simpson. That marriage produced 14 offspring with only Louella Parker and Dan Simpson who survive him.

Illinois served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge from the military, he met a young lady back in his home state. Her name was Barbara and though he was immediately interested in her, she took a little more convincing. Ultimately, he convinced her that his intentions were true and she agreed to marry him. This union has lasted for 67 years. Ohio became part of their history because Illinois found employment at ARMCO Steel and later found permanent employment with the Veterans Home (later known as the Veterans Administration Center) in Dayton, Ohio.

The young couple was favored by God with children of their own, Terri, Jacqueline and Milton who were the joy of their parents. It was during the formative early years of their children’s lives that the Barbara and Illinois Simpson joined a small Baptist congregation in their neighborhood of Homeview Courts. The little church, Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, was pastored by a young man not much younger than they were.

As the little church grew, Illinois found a deeper calling on his life as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher. His faithful diligence to the Word of God also was evidenced by his selection as a Deacon of Mount Calvary. There are not enough words or adjectives to honor the significance of Deacon Simpson’s service to God and His Kingdom and the role he and his wife played in the lives of many families. Though they shared 3 natural children, the depth of love in their hearts poured out to the many children Barbara Simpson nurtured as an in home day care provider.

He was preceded in death by his children, Sherri, Terri and Jacqueline, his parents and many siblings. Deacon Simpson leaves to reflect on his life and love, his wife Barbara, his son Milton (Deborah) Simpson, his daughter Glory Ann Weissman, grandchildren Aric (Michelle), Priscilla, Darnell, Melanie, Bryan, Stephanie, Alissa and numerous great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and very special friend too numerous to name lest we overlook anyone.