Shirley Lassiter Simpson

Mrs. Shirley Lassiter Simpson, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at The Blake in Charlottesville, VA.

Shirley was born on January 4, 1940 to the late Calvin Theron Lassiter and Pearl Barbour Lassiter of Four Oaks, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ronald Dudley Simpson, and is survived by her sons, Ian Patrick Simpson and wife Jenna Eason of Kingsport, TN and Shaun Christopher Simpson and wife Caroline Griffith Simpson of Charlottesville, VA; four grandchildren, Ian River Joseph of Arlington, VA, Meadow Rose Simpson of Kingsport, TN, Lindsay Grace Simpson of Chapel Hill, NC, and Lily Kate Simpson of Charlottesville, VA.

Shirley graduated from Smithfield High School and spent her career in financial services and office management, much of it at Hockaday Mechanical. Her true passion was providing in-home child care for infants and toddlers. She loved the Lord and enjoyed the fellowship of her Sunday school and small worship group contemporaries. Shirley was a long-standing member of First United Methodist Church in Cary, NC, following several years as a congregant of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Raleigh. She enjoyed entertaining at her home, often throwing theme parties such as luaus. In addition to spending time with friends, Shirley frequently attended theatrical productions with her husband, Ron. She was deeply devoted to her family and was the glue that held them close, always providing support and encouragement. 

A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at St. Mary’s Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery at 7970 Raleigh Road, Benson, NC. Pastor Eddie White will officiate.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.