Lorenzo Simpson

HAMPTON - Mr. Lorenzo C. Simpson, born Charles Lorenzo Simpson in Powhatan, Va., passed away on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2009, at the age of 87 in Hampton, Va.
He was the son of the late Charles Franklin Simpson and Lillie Palmore Simpson and was pre-deceased by his sister, Mrs. Baylies Simpson Brown and his brother, Mr. Sylvester F. Simpson.
He served in the European Theater as an Army Master Sergeant during World War II. Upon returning, he married Bessie Ford in April of 1946. From that marriage two children were born, Dr. Lorenzo C. Simpson and Miss. Gail M. Simpson.
He worked in the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company and re-enrolled in Hampton Institute, from which he graduated in 1954. He later received a Master's Degree from Hampton University. He continued his quest for knowledge at the University of Virginia, the University of Richmond, the College of William and Mary and Virginia State University.
Lorenzo joined the Hampton City School System as a science teacher at the Y. H. Thomas Junior High School. Most will remember his proudly worn white lab coat. He was subsequently promoted to the position of Principal of the Union Elementary School. When he became the principal of the Willis Elementary School, he served as the city's first African-American principal of an integrated faculty and student body. While serving as the District Advisory Specialist for Integration for the School System, he co-authored the city's desegregation plan and helped to spearhead the integration of the Hampton Public Schools. He was Assistant Personnel Director/Human Relations Specialist, and retired from the Hampton City School System as the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel in 1983 after serving for 30 years.
Lorenzo lived a life committed to family, community and to social justice, in particular to economic, gender and racial fairness. His integrity, generosity and humor were legend among those who knew him. Throughout his career, he was particularly concerned about the welfare and education of children. His friends knew that he was someone who could be called on in times of need, and his help and wise counsel were often solicited. He was devoted to his family, and he especially relished the time he got to spend with his grandchildren, Sean and Eva. He was enormously proud of them.
Lorenzo loved music; he was fond of both listening to it and making it. As a young man, he sang in choirs. Later in life, and just before retiring for the evening, he often sang spirituals in his rich baritone while accompanying himself with his largely self-taught organ playing. As a numismatist, he had no equal, for collecting and finding an ancient coin gave him so much pleasure.
He was a member of First Baptist Church-King Street, working tirelessly on the Constitution Committee and serving as a Deacon where he encouraged the inclusion of women on the Deacon Board. Lorenzo was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Beta Lambda Chapter, a group of men he cherished as his Brothers.
Lorenzo C. Simpson is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate of 63 years, Bessie; his two grateful children, Miss. Gail M. Simpson and Dr. Lorenzo C. Simpson; his cherished grandchildren, Miss. Eva Simpson-Abrams and Dr. Sean L. Simpson; three loving sisters, Mrs. Bertha Johnson, Mrs. Faustina Trent and Mrs. Celestine Jordan; one brother-in-law, Alfred Johnson; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Marsha Abrams and special friends, Dr. Adelaide W. Simpson and Mr. Dennis Winston. He leaves to cherish his memory numerous devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many special and cherished friends.
Public viewing will begin at 1 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th St. Newport News, VA 23607. A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon, Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, at the First Baptist Church Hampton, followed by Interment at Parklawn Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cookebros.com
The family would be pleased if friends would make contributions to a favorite charity in Lorenzo's name in lieu of flowers.
The final care of our loved one has been Entrusted to the staff of Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.