Elizabeth Simpson

Simpson, Elizabeth Morehouse Beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, cousin, aunt, great-aunt, and friend to so many died Monday, March 17 after an intense bout with cancer that was undetected until nine days before her death. Betsy was born in Lake Forest in 1946 to Louise and Dutton Morehouse and she was the apple of her father's eye. Betsy attended the Day School, Oldfields, Parsons College, and made her debut with the Passevant Cotillion. As the sister to two older brothers, Dutton Jr. and Sandy, Betsy grew up being bullied, teased and adored by both. In 1968, Betsy married James Simpson (Jimmy) and they settled in Lake Forest, IL, where they raised two sons, James Simpson IV (Bo) and William. In 1991 the family moved to Southern Pines, NC, where Jimmy pursued his interest in horses and carriage driving. In 1997 Jimmy died in a tragic carriage accident. Betsy carried on sharing the farm with her younger son William and, after their marriage in 2002, William's wife Hillary. Her older son Bo married Claire in 2004 and moved to Lake Forest in 2009. William and Hillary were Betsy's soul mates and companions on the farm in Southern Pines and in her life until her death. Betsy had an engaging personality and infectious sense of humor. Her innate grace and kindness drew people to her and she was dedicated to making friends and family feel valued and cared for. She was tremendously full of life and had a strong personality, which she shared with those she loved. In addition to her many friends in Lake Forest and Southern Pines, she had a host of friends from her frequent visits to the family farm in Georgia. Betsy was the cheerful, entertaining, and engaging aunt and great-aunt that kids of all ages wish for. Her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews were devoted to her. All who knew her, family and friends, will remember and miss her smiles, laughter and love. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in the memory of Elizabeth Morehouse Simpson to the Atlanta Charity Clays, Inc. Post Office Box 52686 Atlanta, GA 30355 (www.atlantacharityclays.org). Betsy spent 23 years volunteering with Atlanta Charity Clays, making wonderful friendships and sharing the magnificence of Burge with family and friends. There will be a reception at Shoreacres from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27th. For information contact Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, Illinois, www.wenbanfh.com or 847-234-0022.