Gladys Ann Simpson

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Mrs. Gladys Ann Sims Simpson entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Piedmont Summerville Campus in Augusta, formerly St. Joseph Hospital, where she served as a nurse for many years.

Gladys Ann was born on August 13, 1930, in Knoxville, TN, the only child of Clyde (Rick) Sims and Isabell Sims Graham Purcell, both deceased. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Van Buren Simpson, Jr., in 2006. Gladys Ann and Van first met during her ninth-grade year of high school in Jacksonville, FL, and were married on June 17, 1949. At the time of his passing, they had shared 57 years together. In the nearly 19 years since, she wore her wedding ring proudly, and her custom license plate read “LUVMYVAN,” as she awaited the day she would be reunited with him—while still cherishing the blessings of each day. She loved the home they built together on Clarks Hill Lake, where she water-skied, jumped from the two-story dock, and floated with family and friends well into her golden years. At Keg Creek, she rocked babies, cheered on the War Eagles, watched westerns, and told countless stories—although she saved some especially for her weekly beauty shop visits. She loved nature and animals, particularly her dog, Sparky. Her faith ran deep. Over the years she was a member of four churches—First Baptist of Augusta, Damascus Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, and The Church of the Good Shepherd—and she sang her heart out to Amazing Grace at each, how sweet the sound! She was an active participant in GEMS and the Women’s Sunday School, and in her earlier years she was a member of both the Augusta Women’s Club and Garden Club. Known for her unique style, she once owned more than 200 pairs of high-heeled shoes, which she continued to wear until recently (even with a walker), and she never went without a fresh manicure—often accented with a bit of sparkle.

She is survived by her son, Van (Spud) Simpson, III (Glenne); her daughter, Isabell Hebberger (Bill, deceased); three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren, including granddaughter Merry Glenne Piccolino (children Isabella and Holland), and grandsons Van (Tater) Simpson IV (Megan and children Tate, Catherine, and Bo), and Will Hebberger (Melody and children Wayland and Lilyanne).

Funeral services celebrating her remarkable 95 years will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11 a.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd with the Rev. Dr. Bunny Simon Williams and Rev. Lynn Barnes Prather officiating. Burial will follow at Westover Memorial Park.

 Pallbearers will be Van Buren Simpson, IV, Carlton Deese, William Hebberger, Jeff Bass, Ralph Stephens, and Louis Sawyer. 

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to everyone for their love, support, and prayers, especially Claudia and Jackie.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Church of the Good Shepherd or St Jude Children’s Hospital.