Donnetta Simpson Obituary

Simpson, Donnetta Patillo was born on December 3, 1925 to the late Alice Perkins and Dudley Patillo in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Donnetta attended school in Pine Bluff and when her family moved, she graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana. She received her degree in education from Tennessee State University in Nashville. There in 1952 she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It was also there that she met a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc., Walter Brenard Simpson of Pensacola, Florida, whom she later married. It was 1955 when they married in Chicago, Illinois and to this union three children were born. In 1964, infant cousin Rosetta Brenda Jenkins joined the family. Donnetta and Walter were married for 39 years when he preceded her in death. Donnetta was a member of the faculty at Dunbar Vocational High School in Chicago where she taught business education courses for many years. She later retired to care for her family. "Donnie" was a strong loving matriarch, a treasured mentor, friend and counselor to all who knew her. She willingly offered gentle encouragement sprinkled with wisdom and honesty. On September 18, 2002 in Durham, N.C., Donnetta completed her work on this earth, closed her eyes and greeted her Lord and Savior. Funeral services were September 22, 2002 in Durham, N.C. From heaven for the remainder of our days she will watch over her children; Brenetta "Angel", Donnetta "Candy" (Sylvester), Walter Jr. (Sheila) and Rosetta "Brenda" and Nia; her siblings, Clarence Slocumb and Delois Lott; her sister-in- law, Myrtis Walker and a host of other loving family and friends. Services entrusted to Ellis D. Jones & Sons Funeral Directors. 919- 688-1323. Visit Guest Book at www.suntimes.com