After a hard-fought battle with cancer, our loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Barbara Grace (Hamner) Simpson, 79, peacefully passed to be with her Lord on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

In her early years, Barbara was a bookkeeper for Southern Illinois Lumber and for Airtex until she and her husband Dick started their business, Dick Simpson Gear Co. and Simpson Oil, remaining the bookkeeper until her death. A Mary Kay Consultant for 40 years, she also owned the former Pretty Woman clothing store in Fairfield for many years.

A celebration of Barbara's life, officiated by Pastor Short Sledge, will be held at 7p.m. on Monday, June 24th, at Merriam Community Church, located east of Fairfield at 846 Co Rd 2300E. Visitation will be held from 5p.m. until the time of service at the church.

In keeping with Barbara's wishes, her remains were cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merriam Community Church, where she was a member.

Born on July 29, 1944, to Merle Hamner and Mary (Oaster) Hamner Short, Barbara married Richard (Dick) J. Simpson on May 18, 1963.  Barbara was the heart of her home and family, raising with her husband their daughters, Anita Vaughan of Fairfield and Cheryl Quiñones of Clarksville, Indiana.

Barbara will be dearly missed by Dick, her husband of 61 years; their two daughters, Anita and Cheryl; grandchildren: Jesse Vaughan (Brooke Robertson) and Jaden Vaughan of Fairfield and Taylor Quiñones Martinez of Raleigh, NC; four great-grandchildren: Hunter Robertson and Eric Vaughan of Fairfield and Ronan Martinez and Julian Martinez of Raleigh, NC; a brother, David (Sue) Hamner of Nederland, TX; and several cousins.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Sarah Grace Gooch, and grandson Ricardo "Ricky" Quiñones.

Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Merriam Community Church
846 County Road 2300E, Fairfield IL 62837
Tel: 1-618-842-9870