Annie Simpson

Annie Bernicie Crush Simpson

BEDFORD-Annie Bernicie Crush Simpson, 93, formerly of Independence and Marion, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2011 in Lynchburg.

She was born May 2, 1918 in Oriskany to the late Arthur Bertran and Sally Elizabeth Bryan Crush.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Fulton Simpson; brothers, Arthur Bertran Crush, Jr., and Richard "Dickie" Wade Crush; sisters, Ellen Caryce Fox and Dorothy "Dot" Howdyshell.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth Murphy, of Ocala, Fla.; son, Claude Simpson, Jr. of Roanoke; daughters and sons-in-law; Elizabeth Jane "B.J." and Gary "Moe" Millar of Dublin and Ellen and Denis Deane of Bedford, and daughter Sally Simpson of Roanoke. Also, sisters-in-law, Ella Walton Simpson Ross of New Castle, Eleanor Crush and Dixie Crush both of Roanoke; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Louann Millar and Doug Casteen of Charlotte, N.C., Hannah and John Overstreet, and Jean Millar all of Roanoke; great-grandson William Blue Casteen of Charlotte, N.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bea was a very active woman. She made lifetime connections as an early member of the Marion Junior Woman's Club. She later established the Grayson County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. She was very proud of each of her children for earning college degrees. (Maybe not "Summa Cum Laude", but "Thanka da Lawdy".) An avid bridge player, she was a founding member of the Independence Wednesday Afternoon Bridge Club (referred to by family, friends and co-workers as therapy). She also enjoyed playing golf as a member of the New River Ladies Golf Club until she was in her late 80s. She was a member of Independence United Methodist Church and attended Peakland United Methodist in Lynchburg.

Bea was the Executive Director of Rooftop of Virginia Community Action Program and served on many local, regional, state and national boards and committees for non-profit organizations. Bea knew she wasn't through helping people, so upon retirement she joined the Peace Corps. She was assigned to the lovely island of Grenada, where she made many wonderful friends. After her time on the "Isle of Spice", she realized that winters in Virginia were no longer appealing, so she returned there each winter for about 20 years. While in Grenada she continued to volunteer and belonged to several bridge clubs.

Bea later moved to Bedford to be closer to family, but always considered Independence to be her "home".

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at the retirement community of Westminster Canterbury Lynchburg.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 16, 2011 at Peakland United Methodist Church at 4434 Boonsboro Road in Lynchburg with the Rev. Rachel G. May officiating. A service for the internment of her ashes will be held at 3:00 p.m. on July 17 at the family cemetery on John's Creek in Craig County. The family suggests that donations be made to your favorite charity, or that you plant a rose bush in Bea's honor. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W. Main St., Bedford, 540-586-7360.