Vanessa was born to the late James & Joyce Jean Edwards on October 18, 1961 in Orange, TX. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age.
After the death of her mother Joyce Jean, she moved to Hemphill, Texas and was raised by her aunt Myrtle Dennis, who preceded her in death.
She attended Mt. Zion UMC, and County Line Baptist Church. It was during this time she became a born again child of God.
At Hemphill ISD, Vanessa was a cheerleader, played basketball, and participated in track. She went on to attend Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas. It was there that she met and fell in love with Delbert Simpson. The two were united in marriage December 3, 1982. To this union 3 children were born.
Vanessa loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She always supported her children and grandchildren, in school, church and in their extracurricular activities. Upon moving to Tyler in 1990, she was employed at Melrose Nursing Home and later worked at Youth & Family Enrichment Services for over 20 years, where she was a supervisor of the Emergency Shelter.
She was a strong and wonderful wife and mother even as her health began to fail.
Vanessa & Delbert were married 42 years. Vanessa was the First Lady of the Rockhill Baptist Church of Cuney, Texas, for over 20 years and the Shiloh Baptist Church in Longview, Texas for 4 years. She was a faithful member & supporter of the church and her husband’s ministry. She was a member of the choir and worked with the youth. Vanessa was a great song leader.
The Lord called Vanessa home to Glory on May 20, 2024.
She was preceded in death by one grandson, Joshua Simpson; brothers Eddie Edwards, Michael Edwards & Jamie Edwards; sisters Oletha Brown, Veronica Edwards and Kathy Edwards;
She is survived by her husband, Delbert Simpson of Tyler, Texas; children, LaQuinda Simpson of Tyler, Texas, Delbert Simpson, Jr. (Angela) of Tyler, Texas, Whitney Simpson of Killeen, Texas, Sherod Johnson (Shandolyn) of Lufkin, Texas;eleven (11) grandchildren, Maniya Simpson, Dillon Johnson, Kaedence Johnson, Jakayden Miller, Kayleb Simpson, Alayah Creer, Amina Simpson, Jaiden Goodwin, Eran Medlock, Tatyana Webb, Sonora Simpson; brothers, James Edwards, Jr. (Chaquita), Tommy Smith (Nanetta), Rodney Smith (Natasha), Anthony Edwards (Tracy), Joseph Edwards (Stephanie), and Michael Edwards, all of Houston, Texas; and Jamey Smith Edwards of Vinton, Louisiana; sisters, Mary Edwards of Houston, Texas, Bridgette Edwards of Grand Prairie, Texas, Cynthia Edwards (Clonate) of Orange, Texas, and God sister Dorothy Hamilton (Bobby) of Houston, Texas; one aunt Vada Edwards of Orange, Texas, special nieces, Nichole Simpson and Sonora Edwards; and a host of nieces, nephews, brothers / sisters-in-law’s, cousins and friends.
Wake
Friday, May 31, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Walker & Walker Funeral Home
Grapeland, TX
Funeral Service
Saturday, June 1, 2024
11:00 AM
People’s Missionary Baptist Church
2908 Bellwood Rd, Tyler, TX 75701
Interment
Post Oak Cemetery
Augusta, TX