There are condolences waiting approval on Edith 's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Edith Simpkins
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Edith .
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Edith Simpkins
A Public viewing will be held for Edith Simpkins on Thursday, December 10, 2020
Wood Funeral Home, Inc. 5537-39 West Girard Avenue Philadelphia, Pa. 19131
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Private Viewing for Edith with occur on Friday, December 11, 2020
Rolling Green Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel 1008 West Chester Pike West Chester, Pa. 19382
11:00 a.m.
Life story
EDITH M. SIMPKINS, entered peacefully into heavenly rest on Friday, November 27, 2020. She was born February 23, 1924 in Blair, South Carolina, to the late Dave and Mildred Coleman. She was one of the twelve Coleman’s children, which included the late Leroy, David (Willa Mae), Marion, and Abraham (Gladys). She was affectionately known as “Lil Girl” by her beloved family. Edith accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and joined the Weeping Mary Baptist Church of Blair, South Carolina. She was formally educated in Fairfield County, until high school. She then went to live with her loving Aunt Bessie, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she received her high school diploma from Carver High, before going on to attend South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In 1948, Edith relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in search of economic opportunities that were available in the North. She began working at Valley Forge Hospital. It was there that she met the love of her life, George B. Simpkins, Jr. and their beautiful love story began. They were happily joined in Holy matrimony on December 17, 1949. They enjoyed and cherished nearly sixty-seven blissful years of marriage. George predeceased his loving wife on December 2, 2016. From their union, they were blessed with five children, Carolyn, Jacqueline, George III (deceased), David and Steven. Edith joined and was an active member of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Dr. D.W. Hoggard. Over the years, she loved working with youth in her Sunday School class and attending adult classes. She was also a long-time member of the Mount Carmel Church Chorus, where she received special Emeritus recognition for many years of singing on the chorus and service. Mrs. Simpkins joined the Deaconess Ministry in 1992. She served as president and also received Emeritus recognition for years of service. Deaconess Simpkins was well known for her great cooking skills at church. She could be found preparing Sunday breakfast for the congregation during the double service era and/or preparing meals and serving families during Homegoing repasts. As a faithful servant of God, she devoted her time volunteering and serving in whatever capacity needed by her church family, until her health began to decline. After some years of raising her family as a “Stay at Home Mother”, Edith rejoined the work force. In 1969, she was employed by the Gimbels Department Store, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, as a Sales Representative. She was a faithful employee until the chain closed their stores, which lead to her retirement in 1987. Edith was the Queen Matriarch of our family. She was lovingly in charge, and we knew it and respected her wisdom. She possessed such a beautiful, loving spirit and was a true Christian woman with a strong belief in God. One of her favorite Bible verses was Philippians 4:13; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She positively possessed a proportionate amount of strength! Edith especially enjoyed her travels back and forth home to visit with her family down South and she rarely missed attending church revivals, family reunions and barbecues. She will be remembered for her ever famous home cooked meals with family gathered around her table, entertaining holiday dinners, and the unforgettable times shared in her home by all. “Ms. Eddie” as she was known, provided a nurturing and loving environment for her children and every child whom she encountered. She always
made sure that the children were well taken care of, including children from the neighborhood, her great nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss her gentle smile, wisdom, quick sense of humor, encouragement and most of all love. What a wonderful gift to have had her for ninety-six years! She has passed down a beautiful legacy to her loved ones. Edith leaves to cherish precious memories: her four children, Carolyn Ellis (Benjamin), Jacqueline Haltie (Maurice), David Simpkins and Steven Simpkins; grandchildren, Benjamin Ellis, III (Ebony), Quiana Sydnor, Kristen Haltie, Todd Ellis (deceased), Dana Ellis, Melanie Haltie and Neioj Harvey; great- grandchildren, Samiyrah Ellis, Benjamin Ellis IV, Gabrielle Ellis and Jeremiah Dewitt III; one brother, Willie James Coleman (Thelma); six sisters, Mildred Coleman, Mattie Bell Williamson (Grady), Yvonne Taylor (Willie Major), Tina Strother, Selma Wylie and Mary Frances Coleman; sister-in-law, Savannah Simpkins, a host of special nieces and nephews; and someone very near and dear to her heart, Katrina Regusters, other relatives and friends.
