Photo courtesy of T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home - Suffolk
Dec 12, 1956 - Jan 7, 2026
Whew,I don't know what to say DO. I just found out and now there is a big void in my heart. You will be so missed. Praying for Tron and family.
Holly Parker
January 15, 2026 | Norfolk, VA | Friend
Grandma Doolee and London
With love and sympathy from our family. Her legacy lives on through her granddaughter.
Ashley Van Alstyne Jackson
January 15, 2026 | Honolulu, HI | Family
We love you.You will be missed ❤
Melissa Brown
January 14, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Family
Doretha was a very beautiful and kind person, I use to love when she would cook and bring those good fried potatoes and onions to my sister house. She will be missed, Praying for the family.
Elizabeth Riddick
January 14, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Friend
Remembered By
Elizabeth Riddick
January 14, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Friend
May Gods peace surround you as we send our condolences
Snook Jones
January 13, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Family
Sorry for your loss she was fantastic bus driver took pride in her job. Definitely love the children on her bus!
Joyce Holland
January 12, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Coworker
I had the honor of working with Doretha at SPS. She was always so kind to me, and would come by the office just to say hi. I will miss her sweet voice and her always saying, I love you baby. Rest in peace sweet lady until we meet again. I will never forget you my friend.
Paula Smith
January 12, 2026 | SUFFOLK, VA
She was a very sweet lady
Cherel Brown
January 12, 2026 | Suffolk, VA | Acquaintance
With loving hearts, we reflect on the life and legacy of Doretha Simpson, age 69, who peacefully transitioned from this life on January 7, 2026. She was born on December 12, 1956, in Nansemond County, Virginia, where she was raised and deeply rooted in love, family, and faith.
Doretha was the beloved daughter of the late George Lee Hunter and Bessie Lee Hunter. She was preceded in death by her cherished daughter, Shatae Simpson, whose memory she carried close to her heart.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving son, La’Tron Simpson; her sisters, Emma Hunter and Alice Jordan; and her brother, George Bazemore. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Janice Hunter, Stella Jones, Willie Hunter, Richard Hunter, and Herman Hunter. Doretha’s legacy continues through her three beloved grandchildren, Alonta Brown, Alaysha Brown, and London Vanalystyne Simpson, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who were blessed to know her.
Doretha was a devoted and faithful employee of Suffolk Public Schools, where she proudly served as a school bus driver for more than 35 years. She was known for her dedication, kindness, and the genuine care she showed to the children entrusted to her each day. Her commitment to service left a lasting impact on the community she faithfully served.
Above all, Doretha loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a faithful member of Spending Time With Jesus Ministry, where she found joy, strength, and fellowship in her walk with Christ. Her unwavering faith was evident in her life and served as a guiding light to those around her.
Doretha’s loving spirit, warm heart, and steadfast faith will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Though she will be deeply missed, her life stands as a testament to love, service, and devotion, and her memory will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:1–3 (KJV)
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