Eugenia L. Simpson

Eugenia Lois Simpson was born Oct. 27, 1930, at Blakely Camp/Cedar Glades in Hot Springs, Ark., and peacefully passed on May 5, 2022.

She is predeceased by her parents, Murry and Cathryn Martindale McBee; brother, Murry (Mac) McBee Jr.; Irene Elizabeth Saine McBee; Horace Jerome Wright; and lifelong friend, Hazel Gossett. Eugenia married Floyd Simpson in 1948 and they had four sons until his untimely death in 1964.

Eugenia is survived by her three sisters, Joyce (*Greyhorse) Norman, Margaret (Ray) Coughran and Velma (Larry) VanZant, all of Oklahoma; one brother, Daniel (Debbie) Wright of Fayetteville, Ark.; four sons, Richard and Donna Simpson (Hot Springs, Ark.), Stephen and Kelli Simpson (Tyler, Texas), Bruce and Sally Simpson (Hot Springs, Ark.), and Tracy and Wendy Simpson (Hot Springs, Ark.); nine grandchildren, Christina, Matthew, Jacob, Kelly, Henry, Alex, Ethan, Colson and Mari; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and a slew of friends.

Eugenia graduated from Shorter Business College, where she earned a degree in bookkeeping. She worked as a bookkeeper and had many real estate holdings. Later in life, she landed her favorite job as a mutual teller at Oaklawn Park and worked there for over 20 years.

Eugenia went by many names, EL, Genia, Lois and Nana, but most of the time she was affectionately called Momma to many. Eugenia was a colorful and unique individual and she loved red lipstick, red fingernail polish and always wore a hat! Eugenia was most famous as being a Momma to all. She never missed a moment to talk about her boys. When her grands came along, she became Nana, and what a grand Nana she was!

Eugenia was a devout Christian and strong-minded to say the least! She was often referred to as “John Wayne in a skirt!”

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 14, at First Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs.

Pallbearers are: Alex Simpson, Ethan Simpson, Colson Simpson, Henry Simpson, Jimmy Dawes, Roger Gossett, Mark Pace, John Muldoon.

After the service, the family invites you to a celebration of “Momma” at the Showman’s Club, 710 Whittington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oaklawn Chaplaincy.