Carolyn Simpson

1941 - 2025

Carolyn Simpson

Feb 16, 1941 - Sep 7, 2025

Carolyn lived a full life and accomplished more than most of us could only imagine. From a humble beginning in rural Leon County to designing soil and nutrients to grow food for astronauts going to Mars, she utilized her intellect and persistence to advance science and serve others. She was just as at home in her own living room as in a field of flowers, an Electron Microscope Lab, a NASA mockup, a dense jungle in the middle of nowhere, or in Scuba gear halfway around the world. Her accolades include induction into the Normangee ISD Hall of Honor, being named to the Who's Who of American scientists, being one of the first females to receive a PhD from Texas A&M University and being credited with co-naming the family of Dichanthelium grasses, which will remain permanently in the relevant textbooks. Ultimately, her most enduring roles would be those of a loving daughter, a strong sister, a fun aunt and cousin, a good mother, a doting grandmother, and a fiercely loyal friend. She will be sorely missed.

She had a happy retirement, but as years passed, she lost her exceptional intellect, her husband of 22 years, her dogs, and the ability to be independent and self-sufficient. While the march of time takes much away, the promise of the Resurrection gives us all hope. We are convinced that for the first time in years, Carolyn's keen intellect and kind soul were whole again in the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Simpson; parents, Ray and Dena Archer; sister-in-law, Rhonda Archer; nephew, Jason Archer; and Cousin Gene Newsome, who was like a brother.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, including Frank Ray Jr. & Theresa Clark, Valerie Clark, Bruce Clark, & Stephanie Clark. Grandchildren and their spouses include Brandon & Marci Clark, Colby & Allie Clark, Ryan & Kaela Clark, Christopher Wright-Clark, Riley Ann Clark, Trenton Jolie & Madison Wagner, and Katheryn Clark. Her great-grandchildren include Ezra, Cade, Wren, Adaline, Addison, Paige, Cameron, and Annie (soon to arrive).

She is also survived by three brothers and their wives-Ronny & Deborah Archer, Curtis & Teresa Archer, and Ricky Archer, and her cousin Melva McDonald, who was like a sister. Carolyn is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, too numerous to count.

Her life was extraordinary, her legacy enduring, and her love everlasting.

Callaway-Jones Funeral Home

3001 S College Ave Bryan, TX 77801