Jessie E. (Bledsoe) Simpson

Her Journey | Her Story Mother Jessie Eva Simpson
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:31 NLT

Jokester, defender of her family In God’s divine sovereignty and ordained timing, Jessie Eva Simpson’s journey began on earth, Friday, June 26, 1931. Jessie was born and grew up
in Lafayette, Alabama to the late Sidney and Ella Bledsoe and was the tenth child of twelve siblings. The beginning of Jessie’s life was a childhood packed with love, adventures and equipping of faith.

At an early age, our mother, Jessie discovered that the journey called life could not be experienced or completed successfully without faith. Her faith in God was ignited at an early age when she confessed hope in Christ and united with Sardis Baptist Church in Lafayette, Alabama. Jessie prepared for her future and received her education from the Chambers County
School System.

Up to this point in our mother’s journey, she had experienced the agape love of God, phileo love of mankind and then God blessed Jessie to experience romantic love when she met and married the father of her children, Mr.Jessie Lee Gray and from that union eight children were born. In 1984, our mother met and married Deacon Willie Simpson, who transitioned from
this life December 15, 2017 after 33 years of marriage and love.

From her journey, all can gleam a principle that Jessie E. Simpson lived by – a life of significance is about serving those who need your gifts, leadership and purpose. Our mother’s life embodied servanthood; she was a faithful member and supporter of St. Paul Overcoming Church of God until her failing health prevented her from attending church. Throughout her
journey she served in the choir, on the Mother Board and Usher Board.

Jessie never allowed the hardships and challenges on her journey to break her spirit but rather she used her obstacles into opportunities to be a woman of character to her family and community at large. Through it all, she remained true to God and her faith never wavered. To know Jessie E. Simpson was to love her – a woman full of love, laughter – the life of the
party, vitality, dignity, faith and wisdom describes her eloquently. was a lifetime cheerleader and encourager of the accomplishments of her children and family.

On our mother’s journey she was employed with Holiday Host Motel for 11 years, with Baptist Hospital of Gadsden for 26 years. Our mother always got joy whistling when she worked. Even though the whistling is silent this will forever be etched in our hearts and minds.

Heaven declared her work her on earth was finished, her assignment complete. On June 3, 2020 Mother Jessie E. Simpson ended this life’s journey and began her eternal journey with the Lord. Our mother now joins in eternal glory with her parents Sidney and Ella Bledsoe; husband, Deacon Willie Simpson; her daughters Elizabeth Gray White and Deatrice Gray; Son-in law, Deacon Joe Clifford Ransaw; grandson Steven Abel; great-grandsons Derrien Woods and Xavier Gray.

Our mother leaves to cherish her memories: six children: son, Chester Gray (Bessie), Murphy, Texas; five daughters: Annie Lee Pierce, Geneva Whitney, Janice Ransaw, Gadsden, Alabama, Sarah Heath (Lee), Weaver, Alabama and Regina Gray, Decatur, Alabama; son-in laws: Donnie Whitney and Earl White (Betty); Windy Gordon; Rachel Gray; Windy Gordon, Rachel Gray, Christopher Johnson and Iyana Whitney (whom mom raised as her children); loving grandchildren; great grandchildren; great, great grandchildren; and great, great, great
grandchildren; siblings: John Bledsoe (MaeBell), Heflin, Alabama, Vernia McCants, Chicago, Ill.; sister-in-law Annie Bledsoe, Lafayette, Alabama; affectionate nieces, nephews, cousins , friends and dear niece, Nadine Dobbins.

We are perpetually grateful to God for gracing you with 88 years of life. Mother, you touched so many lives and you will forever live in our hearts. Thank you for your legacy of faith, hope and love. Rest Momma, whistle in heaven – your journey here is finished now. Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. Isaiah 57:1-2 NLT

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