Esther Loop Simpson

Esther Bell Loop SimpsonFebruary 22, 1916 – December 22, 2015  Forsyth . . . . Esther Bell Loop Simpson born in Piqua., Ohio completed her life’s journey on December 22, 2015. Esther was married to Cleo Elzie (Pat) Simpson for 59 years. She is survived by her daughter Virginia Martin of Forsyth, two grandchildren, Virginia Lee Lofton, of Oveido, Florida, and Brian Wayne Martin of Griffin, Georgia, and three great granddaughters, Jessica Lee Lofton,  Sarah Caitlin Lofton, and Rebecca Christine Martin, one sister Ms. Lilly Grubbs, Lake Wales, Florida, numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Esther was a member of Forsyth First Baptist Church, and remained faithful to the JOY Sunday School and church activities until prevented by ill health.  Esther marveled that she had been blessed to live during this exciting era which began with horse drawn vehicles and ended in space exploration. Her family migrated from Ohio in 1923 to central Florida following the Blue Jay Highway Road Map which included directions such as “be sure to close the gate to the farmer’s pasture” after traveling a road linking farms.  The family camped, stayed in churches, schools, and accommodating barns.  After three months the journey was completed in time for Esther to begin her academic career in the first grade in Lake Hamilton, Florida. Although her formal education ended with the eighth grade, she was an avid reader, scholar of the Bible and delighted in all types of handicrafts including sewing and crocheting.  Many have been the recipients of her handicraft over the years, both in Florida where she resided for most of her life, and in her adopted home of Forsyth where they moved in 1986.  During World War II Esther, and husband Pat migrated to Michigan where Pat worked in bomber plants in Detroit until drafted and sent to Germany.  During all of Pat’s stations throughout the country, she and her baby daughter traveled to remain with her husband, finally settling in Tampa, Florida, in 1947 awaiting his return from overseas and discharge.  They remained in Tampa where they were very active members of Forest Hills Baptist Church where Esther taught in children’s Sunday School, was a member of the choir, and served with Pat in his capacity as deacon. Upon their move to Forsyth in 1986 they became members of the Forsyth First Baptist Church.  Esther was a bright shining light as her name implies and lived by her motto “do the very best that you can and trust in the Lord with the rest.” This world will be a little darker and sadder place now that she is gone.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends.  A memorial service will be held on January 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Forsyth First Baptist Church, with Dr. Darrell Watson, presiding.  Family will receive guests following the service.  Memorial gifts may be made in Ms. Simpson’s name to First Baptist Church, 95 West Morse Street, Forsyth, GA 31029.  Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.