Gerald Lee Simpson

Gerald L. Simpson, age 68, of Albion, Michigan, made his transition to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, August 13, 2021 at his childhood home in Albion. He was born February 16, 1953 to Robert and Vera Simpson (Lewis). Gerald was the oldest of five children. He graduated from Albion High School in 1972. He went on to pursue higher education at Lansing Community College, followed by Central Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor degree in Physical Education. Additionally, he completed several graduate courses at Michigan State University. In 2017, Gerald graduated with a bachelor degree in Theological Studies from the International School of Ministry (ISOM) through New Hope Worship Center. Gerald married the love of his life, Pamela Simpson (Black) in 1980 in Flint Michigan, and through this union, three children were born.

Gerald wore many hats during the course of his career, having worked at the YMCA, Call Someone Concerned, 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Families First through STARR Commonwealth, Operation G.R.A.D., City of Albion, Albion Public Schools, and Marshall Public Schools. Gerald was retired at the time of his passing. It was through his involvement with 4-H and affiliation with Harry Bonner Sr. that Gerald found his passion for helping and shaping the youth of his community.

Gerald coached middle and high school football, high school baseball, middle school basketball, and he wrote grants that funded and helped create the girls softball teams, the Cool Cats and Top Cats, as well as the girls basketball and softball teams that played in the league at Wattles Park in Battle Creek, Michigan. He spent every summer coaching women’s softball, the sport that won over his heart. Gerald believed in each and every one of his athletes, and he pushed them to give nothing short of their best, both on and off of the field and court. Gerald also coached his daughters in softball, and his son and youngest daughter in basketball. He was toughest on them, which inspired them to excel in and outside of the sports that they played.

Gerald dedicated his life to Christ at an early age, he was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, and last attended New Hope Worship Center. He was a member of the Operation J.O.Y. choir in the 1980’s, as well as the Gospel Vibrations. God was the center of everything that he did, which provided guidance as to how he lived his life.

Preceded in his death are father, Robert Simpson, mother-in-law, Hildegard Black, grandmothers, Lola Mae Bell and Corine Simpson, grandfathers, Kyser Lewis and Wheeler Simpson, sister, Evelyn Simpson, daughter, Camille Simpson and nephew, Lamar Black Jr.

He is survived by his mother, Vera Simpson, wife, Pamela Simpson, son, Caleb Simpson, daughter, Samantha Simpson, sisters, Edith Best, Yvonne Simpson, and LaDonna Simpson, in addition to a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Freeway Church located at 28900 B Drive North, Albion, MI 49224, with Apostle Tim L. Kurtz officiating. Family hour will begin at 10:00 am, with visitation to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Albion Memory Gardens. The repass will take place at New Hope Worship Center. Memorial contributions can be made to the Albion Community Foundation at www.albionfoundation.com.