Melissa Karen Simpson

Melissa Karen Simpson of Decatur passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020 in her home, with her family beside her. A private memorial service will be held on November 7 at her home. Melissa was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and wife to her family who was always there for all of them. She was a special education teacher who, even after retiring still loved to work with children and help them learn and grow, especially the grandkids and her special kids. She loved to travel and go to the theater

She was born on November 2, 1957 to Jenny and Otha Hawkins in Wichita, KS. She grew up mainly in El Dorado, AR and graduated from Ouachita Baptist University. She did additional graduate course work at Arkansas State University. She worked as a special education teacher in Osceola, AR before moving to Decatur. She volunteered for many activities in the Decatur Public School System and began working at Decatur Heritage School in the lunchroom, she participated in many after-hours programs and summer programs to keep a connection with children.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Marty; their four children Christopher Simpson, Emily Simpson-Keenum (Clay), Grace Simpson (Johnathan) and Matthew Simpson (Maria); grandchildren Brodie, Braden, Baylee and Rowan and several special children; her mother Jenny Smith, and siblings Cindy Renfro, Shuana Mitchell (Mark), Grant Hawkins (Laura) and Adam Hawkins (Melissa #2).

She is preceded in death by her father Otha Hawkins and her step-father Lewis Smith.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Shah and the people of Clearview Cancer Clinic in Decatur for treatment of her with such care and to Dr. P. J. Reddy, who she referred to as her hero because of his special way of looking after her and her family.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.