Elsie Arnold Simpson

Elsie Arnold Simpson, 74, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Monday, May 6, 2013. Elsie was a native of Greenville, NC and a resident of Hampton and Newport News, VA. She graduated from Grimesland High School in Grimesland, NC in 1956. Elsie lived in the Hampton Roads area for more than 50 years. She was employed with State Farm Insurance in Newport News as an Office Manager for 25 years. Elsie was a member of Orcutt Baptist Church. Elsie was pledged into Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in November of 1975. She was an active member of Laureate Psi, currently serving as the recording secretary, and held many offices in her chapter through the years. As a member, she received the Order of the Rose and Silver Circle degrees. In 1982-1983, Elsie was the Peninsula Council of Beta Sigma Phi's Woman of the Year. She served as the Peninsula Council President for the year, 1983-1984. Elsie and her husband of 53 years, loved to travel and up until the past few years had the opportunity to go on many fun filled vacations to various locations with family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, James H. Simpson, Jr. of Newport News, VA; her son, James H. Simpson III and fiancée Stephanie, of Yorktown, VA; and her daughters, Gina S. Urquhart and Brian Young of Suffolk, VA; LaVonda S. Bailey and husband Ross of Glen Allen, VA; and G Lynette Scott and husband Michael of O'Fallon, IL. Elsie is also survived by six grandchildren; Samantha, Stephen (Bud), and Katherine Urquhart; Meghan Doane, Taylor and Shelby Scott; and one great granddaughter, Gabrielle. She is also survived by three brothers, William Arnold, Clifton Arnold and James Lewis Arnold and three sisters, Doris Dixon, Francis Smith and Peggy Williams. Per Elsie's heartfelt wishes, the Anatomy Gifts Registry of Hanover, MD has accepted her in order to benefit medical research and education programs. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Orcutt Baptist Church. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013 at Orcutt Baptist Church, 653 Baxter Lane, Newport News, VA 23602. The church office number is (757)249-1280.