Mrs. Dorothy Lee Blackwell Simpson

Dorothy “Dottie” Blackwell Simpson died peacefully on the morning of April 10, 2024 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 88. Close at hand was her dedicated and selfless caretaker, Barbara Simpson Grayson.

Dottie is survived by her loving brother and sister-in-law, retired United States Army Major Bob Blackwell and Patricia Blackwell, daughter-in-law Suzette Jordan, grandchildren John Jordan Jr., Catherine, and Richard Jordan III, as well as her three stepchildren, four step-grandchildren, a step-great-granddaughter, and many dear nieces and nephews. She joins in eternal rest her parents, retired United States Army Colonel James Marion Blackwell and Myrtle Lee Thomason Blackwell, sister Diane Merrick, husband Jack B. Simpson, and beloved sons gone too soon, John Robert Jordan, Sr., and Richard Lee Jordan, Jr.

Dottie was born in Fort McPherson, Georgia to a proud military family. Her father’s esteemed United States Army career saw her attending high school in Germany where she raised the spirits of her classmates at Frankfurt High as a member of the cheerleading team. Her experiences in Europe, including arriving by horse and carriage to her prom at Kronberg Castle, were the basis of many stories she shared with her family.

Returning to the United States, Dottie went on to graduate from Massey Draughon Business College and worked in office administration in New Orleans where she lived in the French Quarter with her first husband, Richard Jordan. Later, Dottie’s early experience in the secretarial pool at Fort McPherson, along with her natural skills as an executive assistant, earned her the fast-paced role as Personal Assistant to the CEO at Tucker Wayne Advertising when her family, joyfully expanded by the births of John and Richard Jr., returned to the Atlanta area.

After the untimely passing of her husband, Richard Jordan, Sr., Dottie began her next chapter of life with Jack Simpson. Dottie had a keen eye for collecting, and she and Jack shared a love for supporting American artists. Dottie treasured her family; they helped her heal from her many losses, and she was always proud of all their accomplishments. She was an efficient and loyal caretaker for each of her parents as they aged. Later, she was especially grateful for her stepdaughters Barbara and Joan, and stepson Mark who gave so much of themselves to her own well-being and care.

Dottie enjoyed retirement from her 30-year career with the ad agency, but she quickly found a way to put those typing skills to work once again by preparing Mr. Jack’s column in the Rockdale Citizen newspaper (currently The Citizens) each week for many years. She might light-heartedly fuss about the workload, but truth be told, with a wink and a smile, she really liked being part of the heartbeat of the local community lore!

Dottie always loved the family holiday celebrations at “Simpson Acres” as Jack called it, as well as the heartfelt cards, pictures, bountiful goody baskets and visits from the Jordan and Blackwell families. She and the Louisiana grandchildren also had special memories of the visits to Stone Mountain. During her last confinement, the personal readings, pictures and visits from brother, Bob, and sister-in-law, Patricia, meant the world to her.

As a Veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II, Jack was proudly laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in August, 2020. It was Dottie’s wish to be buried as a Veteran’s spouse with Jack at her passing. Being part of an Army family and sharing pride in Jack’s combat service in World War II, as well as in his lifetime career of service in education and law enforcement spanning from FBI Special Agent to Newton County Sheriff’s Deputy at the age of 96, gave Dottie a sense of great purpose and joy in her life. It was also a source of strength and peace during her valiant health struggles.

Memorial services will be held on May 1, 2024, from 4 to 5 pm at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, 3150 Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker, GA 30084. The Wednesday remembrances will be followed by a reception and visitation from 5 to 7pm at Floral Hills, Tucker.

On Thursday, May 2, family and friends will assemble in advance for a committal ceremony from 1:30 - 1:45 pm at Georgia National Cemetery (Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114). The family shares GNC’s restriction on graveside visitation until the hallowed grounds are restored, possibly the next day. GNC is a VA National Cemetery. Please check the Georgia National Cemetery website for maps, directions, information.

The family would like to share their sincere thanks and special appreciation for all the first responders and healthcare team members at Emory, AG Rhodes and Phoenix of Tucker, as well as Dottie’s personal caregivers, Emory University ICU Team, and Bridgeway/Emory Hospice Team, for their care and compassion. And no ‘thank you’ would be complete without all the wonderful neighbors, dear friends and relatives, and the devoted law enforcement and Facebook communities who helped lift Dottie’s spirits, kept her entertained, fixed her repairs, and all manner of other supportive things!

We also thank Rev. Dr. Denise Currie-Lowe for her spiritual and emotional support for Dottie and the family as “Grand Dot / Granny” bravely earned her peace from lung disease. We appreciate Rev. Dr. Denise’s positive, bright, and kind spirit as she helps us embrace and celebrate Dottie’s life and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family once again requests donations made in memory of Jack and Dottie Simpson to the Random Acts of Kindness Program, Newton County Sheriff’s Office, 15151 Alcovy Road, Covington, GA 30014.

Alternatively: Affinity Hospice, Attn: VonZale Samuel, 2000 Riverside Parkway, Suite 107, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. This is part of Bridgeway Hospice who cared for Dottie at Emory.

Pallbearers:

Richard Jordan III, Catherine Jordan, Matthew Hebert

Jason Sapp, Eleanor Simpson, William Simpson

Alternates for May 2 (in lieu of Jordans):

Joan Mitchell, Dr. Mark Simpson, Barbara Grayson