Nan Ward Simpson

On Saturday, May 17, Nan Simpson entered into eternal rest. We are sure she heard the affirming words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” She was the beloved wife of the late Steve Simpson and their 61 year marriage was a living legacy of love to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those who called them their family or friend. Nan or Nana, as she was affectionately known, was a loyal, dependable, and shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life on this earth was one marked by love and an unwavering faith in God. At her most recent home, visitors were greeted with a cross-stitch of a well-loved verse, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).” And no matter what challenge she faced in her later years, Nan always knew who held each day for her and she was grateful and glad. “It’s a girl!,” was exclaimed on March 28, 1939 in Kingstree, South Carolina, when Nan Ella was born to Robert Luke and Clarice Bailey Ward, who already enjoyed the rough and tumble of Nan’s three older brothers, Sam, Robert, and George. While growing up in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, Nan spent her childhood tagging along with her three older brothers, playing in the Black River, climbing trees, and being entertained by Roy Rogers and Trigger movies (for 15 cents!). Her love of a good book also began in these early years and was something she enjoyed throughout her entire life. As a child, Nan’s family lived in Kingstree, Eastover, and finally Bishopville, South Carolina, where she graduated from Bishopville High School in 1957. After high school, Nan moved to Columbia, South Carolina where she attended business college and met the love of her life, Steve. They were married on September 9, 1961, and moved to Satellite Beach, Florida. It is here that Nan and Steve created their family and an idyllic childhood for their children, Jim and Beth. In addition to being a full-time Mom, Nan enjoyed a professional career at Patrick Air Force Base, which was just the first of several government positions she held over her life, both in Florida and Augusta, Georgia, where the Simpsons later moved. Upon retirement, Nan and Steve called Flat Rock, North Carolina home, where they cherished the cool, crisp mornings and more tolerable summer afternoons as compared to the sultry heat of Florida and Georgia. In Flat Rock, Nan was a faithful member of Pinecrest ARP Church, where she sang in the choir and played handbells. In 2017, Nan and Steve moved to Alpharetta, Georgia to be close to Jim and Beth and their families. In Alpharetta, they worshipped at Alpharetta Methodist Church and made their church home here. In addition to her parents and husband, Nan is preceded in death by her brothers, Sam Carter and Robert Ward and her sisters-in-law, Lib Carter and Rachel Ward. She is survived by her brother George Ward, sister-in-law, Gail Ward, and special nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her children, Jim Simpson (Beth) and Beth Wardach (Tom). Additionally, her warm hugs, Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies, and Scrabble matches will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Stephanie Weber (Matt), Catherine Wardach, Carrie Loper (Andy), Samantha Clark (Eddie), John Simpson, and Joseph Simpson. She will also be missed by her smallest loves, her great-grandchildren Tate Loper, Tommy Weber, and Eliza Loper. All those who knew Nan will remember her for her deep-rooted faith in God, her love of family, and her thoughtfulness to her friends. Visitation with the family will be at Northside Chapel, 12050 Crabapple Road, Roswell, Georgia 30075 on Tuesday, May 20th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A private graveside service for the family will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/ or Alpharetta Methodist Church Missions: https://amchurch.onlinegiving.org/donate/guest_donate#!/

Nan Ward Simpson

March 28, 1939 - May 17, 2025