LaDonna Perryman Simpson

LaDonna Perryman Simpson, 75, of Nacogdoches passed away Saturday, April 22, 2017, at her home. She was born November 14, 1941, in Tyler to parents James Leon Perryman, Sr. and Loyce Barron Perryman Martin.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1430 North Mound Street in Nacogdoches, with Father Howard Castleberry officiating.

Friends and family are invited to visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2017, at Cason Monk-Metcalf, 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches.

After graduating from Lufkin High School in 1959, Mrs. Simpson attended Sam Houston State University and Stephen F. Austin State University. Before moving to Nacogdoches, she was a flight attendant for Trans-Texas Airways (TTa) that eventually evolved into Continental Airlines. She moved to Nacogdoches in 1962 and became a real estate broker, working for Bryan Holt Davis, Jr. and eventually bought out his real estate company. She and her late husband, Frank Ford Simpson, Jr., created and developed the beautiful neighborhoods of Knollwood, Baywood Forest, Kingwood I, and Kingwood II. She also developed rural and multifamily projects and acted as general contractor for multi-family projects as well as the rehab of income properties. She was also a property manager since the 1960’s, opening Northridge Arms and University Arms. She was the General Contractor and designer of Banita Condos and the Kingwood Townhouse subdivision. She converted the Historic Jones House in Nacogdoches to business use in 1987.

She was the first woman elected to the Nacogdoches City Commission in 1973 to 1977. The growth of the city was extensive during that period, and she was responsible for acquiring federal funds to correct serious flooding problems in the city. She negotiated the purchase of the city landfill site, and she was involved in the development of Lake Nacogdoches (the city water supply.) She was also instrumental in the development of Maroney Park Pool, and the first public library was completed in the reclaimed post office on the square during her terms. She was also the chief fundraiser for building Christ Episcopal Day School, a pre-kindergarten through sixth grade accredited private school.

She was an appointed member of the Nacogdoches Historic Landmark Committee. Mrs. Simpson was also a CASA Advocate for 5 years.

LaDonna was on the board of many different organizations including The Women’s Shelter of Nacogdoches, Christ Episcopal Day School Board of Education, Nacogdoches Treatment Center, DETCOG Workers Compensation Board of Directors, Texas Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, Nacogdoches County Board of Realtors, Humane Society of Nacogdoches, and the County Board of Directors.

She is a Life Member of the Stephen F Austin Alumni Association, and a Charter Member of the Nacogdoches County Board of Realtors and the local MLS. She also served the local Board of Realtors in every office and was president four times.

Mrs. Simpson was a life-long Aggie fan and Aggie Sweetheart in 1959. She traveled extensively, refurbished homes, and she was an advocate for children, people, and animals. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

She could be described as an “independent who preferred to take responsibility for her own actions in her business and personal affairs.”

LaDonna was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Frank Ford Simpson III.

She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Simpson and partner Tyler Scarborough; brother, James Perryman and wife Linda; their children, Jay Perryman, Leslie Perryman, and Paige Inglis and husband Gabe; great nephew, Ian Inglis; granddaughters, Courtney Louise Chaplin, Olivia Kiritsy and husband Perry; and a very extensive extended family of “children” and friends whom she loved.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Nacogdoches County Animal Shelter, O’Malley Alley Cat, CASA of

Deep East Texas, or the charity of your choice in Mrs. Simpson’s name.

Online condolences may be left at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.

Services are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, Nacogdoches.