Vivian Grace Simpson, age 91, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019, at Clay County Hospital. 

   She was born March 29, 1928, in Hogan, Missouri, the daughter of Ralph and Goldie (Hudson) Bricker.  She was united in marriage to Bennie Wayne Simpson March 19, 1946, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and together they shared 64 years of marriage.  He passed away June 1, 2010.

   If you asked, who was our mother?  We would say she was a daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma, and aunt.  She was the world’s best cook and pie baker, a spotless housekeeper, a friend, neighbor, and caregiver to family and patients.  She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Flora where she was strong in her faith.  She was a child of The Great Depression who learned how to find strength in everything.  She was a wonderful seamstress and worked hard for everything she ever had and would give it all to her family.  She loved flowers, especially yellow roses.  She is now free of all worldly chains, waltzing across heaven with our daddy.  Now we must say goodbye for a short while. Until we meet again, we love you Mama.

   Survivors include 3 sons: Herbert Simpson and wife Lois of Flora, Thomas Simpson and wife Margaret of Flora, and Robert Simpson and wife Lisa of Ingraham; a daughter: Ella Mae Mix of Cisne;  12 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Patty Bright and husband Eber of Cisne; a brother: Carl Wayne Gray and wife Karin of Aurora, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews also survive.   

   She was preceded in death by parents and stepparents: Ralph and Dorothy Bricker and Goldie and Morley Galarneau; husband: Bennie Wayne Simpson; 3 sisters: Lavera Hipes, Dorine Pearcy, and Martha Harris; and a son-in-law: Ron Mix.

   A funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mike Evans officiating.  Interment will follow in Clay City Cemetery.  Visitation will be 1 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church and will be accepted through the funeral home.