Joy Laquitta Simpson

March 3, 1934 - February 16, 2018

Joy Laquitta Sims Simpson, age 83, of Somerville, AL, passed away Friday, February 16, 2018, at her residence.  Visitation will be today at Shelton Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018, at Marshall Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Albertville, AL at 2:00 p.m.  The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service.   Jerry Clifton, Britt Thompson, and Barry Simpson will officiate.  Interment will follow in Marshall Memory Gardens. Mrs. Simpson was born March 3, 1934,  in Marshall County to the late H. Gilmer Sims and Pauline Junkins Sims.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Simpson, brothers, Cleburne Sims and Deral Sims, one niece, Nancy Sims, and one nephew, Gary Sims.  She had worked in Albertville at the Phone Company, the Chamber of Commerce, and Antioch Baptist Church.  In Decatur, she had worked at Hicks Chevrolet, the Community Action Committee, the Health Department, and Vocational Rehab.  Joy was a life long Baptist and was very active in Church; she played the piano and organ, sang in the choir, and sang solos.  She started a youth choir program at New Friendship Baptist Church and she influenced the lives of countless young people.  She spent her life serving God and helping others. She is survived by one son, Barry Simpson of Huntsville; one daughter, Karen Thompson of Priceville; one brother, Don Sims (Anne) of Rossville, GA; three grandchildren, Britt Thompson (Heather) of Athens, Brock Thompson (Denna) of Hartselle, and Brayden Thompson of Priceville; son-in-law, Keith Thompson of Priceville; sisters-in-law, Margie Uren of Hixson, TN, Frances Walker of Hebron, AL, Betty Simpson of Albertville, AL, and Gayle Sims of Chattanooga, TN.  Special Thanks to Southern Care Hospice, and to Paula Slaten and Lynette Brown.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Southern Care Hospice.