Paula Y Simpson

July 12, 1925 - May 11, 2012

Paula Yvonne Simpson was born on July 12, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the only child of Herman and Frankie Frederick. She attended Shoop Elementary and graduated from Morgan Park High School. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s in Education from Roosevelt University and her Master’s in Guidance and counseling from Chicago State University. Paula devoted nearly forty years to Doolittle Elementary and Drake Elementary, as a classroom teacher, Art teacher, as well as guidance counselor. Before moving to Florida in 2001, Paula was very active at St. Edmund’s Episcopal Church, having been a member since she was a young teenager. She enjoyed singing soprano in St. Dunstan’s Choir and participating in the events of her guild, St. Veronica’s. She also volunteered in St. Edmund’s Parish School. In Florida, Paula was an active volunteer at Sunshine, Eastside and Pine Grove Elementary Schools. She also assisted her daughter in making deliveries for Meals on Wheels in Fort Myers, Florida. Paula departed this life on Friday, May 11, 2012. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her life: her daughter, Kimberly Reese (Melvin) of Weeki Wachee, FL; their eight children: Kenneth, Joshua (Felecia), Renisha “Nikki,” Ondreia, Dwanda “Sam,” Deante (Emily), Melvin III “Tre,” and Frankie; fourteen great-grandchildren; nieces Barbara, Tonya and Courtney; cousins Frankie, Frankie, Fred, Michael, and Steven (all of Phoenix, Arizona), and many dear and devoted friends.