Betty C. Simpson

Betty C. Simpson, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 7, 2015. Ever since Betty first became a member of First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg, she has been a most active member. Through the decades, she has been involved in but not limited to: Presbyterian Circle of Women, a bible study class. She was chairperson for many years, coordinating meeting times and places with members. Betty was also very active in Franklin Graham's "Purse" charity, filling shoe boxes with items for poverty stricken children. Boxes were distributed world-wide. The Carpenters Sunday school classes were also one of Betty's favorites for Bible study. Not to mention the pot luck suppers, which she contributed to and attended regularly! Every Tuesday afternoon, from 12 noon until 3 pm, she worked in the church office handling phone calls and other administrative duties. For many years, the Presbyterian Church has sponsored a Health Ministry in Honduras in which health related topics and services were made available free of charge to needy residents. Betty attended one summer for a full, one week period. At age 83 she was the eldest one attending but was well received! Betty was admired by her fellow church members as a regular participant in the Beth El Mission in Ruskin, FL, which assisted needy migrant workers with food and clothing. Finally, but by no means least, she served evening meals at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Josephine Cronk, and her brother Billy Cronk. She is survived by her children, Gregory Simpson and his wife Lizbeth, James Simpson and his wife Susan, Linda Simpson Ford and her husband Bill, her former husband Richard Simpson, grandchildren, Julia and Natalie Simpson and Kristen, Nick and Alex Morrison. Memorial services for Betty will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. It is the family's wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CASA (www.casa-stpete.org [727] 895-4912). Betty touched the lives of many and will truly be missed by all.