Obituary for Opal Simpson
Opal Simpson, age 84, of Harrisburg, Illinois passed away peacefully Friday, March 22, 2024 at her residence. She was born January 15, 1940 in Harrisburg, Illinois to Glen and Lois (Pickering) Chrisman. Opal married Bob Simpson on November 27, 1954 and he preceded her in death on December 31, 1996, cherishing 42 years of marriage. Their union was blessed with six children that they devoutly raised, and Opal happily welcomed and thrived in her role as a mother. She was a Christian and a member of the Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Illinois. Opal took pride in being a homemaker and loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother.
Opal was well known in her community as a woman who cared deeply for others and as someone who always gave her time to those who needed it. Opal was always thinking of others and regularly would call others for conversation or to simply check on their health and happiness. Opal’s concerns in life almost solely revolved around faith, her family, friends, and other treasured members of her community.
Opal loved life and always met everyone with a smile. One of her greatest joys was having her family all together for holidays and large meals, as Opal loved taking care of those closest to her and ensuring that all were well-fed. Opal was well-known in Harrisburg, where she could be seen at any of her family’s events or as a member of the Red Hat Society.
Surviving are her six children, Robbie Vargo of Harrisburg, Illinois, Kim Henshaw of Harrisburg, Illinois, Gary (Val) Simpson of Lake of Egypt, Illinois, Jeff Simpson of Harrisburg, Illinois, Debbie (Gary) Stevens of Lake of Egypt, Illinois and Greg (Patti) Simpson of Harrisburg, Illinois. Grandchildren, Eric Vargo, Adam Vargo, Chris (Robin) Hyers, Garrick (Manda) Simpson, Rachel (Cody) Pauls, Nathan Simpson, Ryan Gullett, Allie Stevens, Preston (Madison Kennedy) Simpson and Landon Simpson. Great-grandchildren, Abigail Simpson, Isabella Hyers, Addison Vargo, Arianna Stevens-Weigler, Rosie Gullett, Mabree Pauls, Madison Pauls, Macie Pauls, Kaison Simpson, Mallory Simpson, Arron Davis and Autumn Moore. One great-great-grandchild, Embrie Moore. Special nephew, Tony (Sherry) Chrisman. Sister-In-Law, Norma (Gale) Travelstead. Brother-In-Laws, Bimp (Paulette) Simpson and Ronnie (Lisa) Simpson. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents. Husband, Bob Simpson. Two sisters, Ruth (Bill) Brantley and Minsy (Tommy) Gott and two grandchildren, Natalie Simpson and Blake Stevens. Son-In-Laws, JB Henshaw and Mike Vargo. Brother-in-law Denzil (Wilma) Simpson.
As per Opal’s wishes, a private family graveside service was held 1:00 P.M. Monday, March 25, 2024 at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, Illinois. Arrangements in care of the J. M. Weirauch Funeral Home in Harrisburg, Illinois.
All who knew Opal should know that they were loved and were always in her thoughts and prayers, and that their respect and love for Opal does not go unrecognized.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Illinois, the Breast Cancer Foundation, or the American Liver Foundation.
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Memorial Contribution
Breast Cancer Foundation
American Liver Foundation
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