Thelma Frances Simpson

On November 21, 2025, high on a mountain surrounded by family and friends, Thelma Frances Simpson departed for her heavenly walk with Jesus Christ.

Frances was born in Smoot, West Virginia, on September 30, 1936 to the late Claude and Elanore DeCatur. She is also predeceased by her husband of over 70 years, Silas “Billy” Simpson, and by two children, Jerry Wayne Simpson, and Barbara Sue Snead.

Frances and Billy were married October 4, 1952. There are two surviving children, Russ (Karen) and Curtis (Darla), and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Ann Cooper of Troy, Virginia.

Over the course of her life, she had many jobs. She was a devoted wife and mother, exuding strength in body and mind. Along with her husband and children, she owned and operated Billy’s Fruit Stand for over 35 years. Frances and Billy also started a property rental business which is still ongoing.

Frances and Billy loved their vacation home in Colonial Beach, VA, where they fished on their boat in the Potomac sound, while watching sunrises and sunsets. No day would be complete without taking Chico, then Katie on a golf cart ride along the shores of Colonial Beach.

Over the course of her lifetime, Frances was known as a matriarch of Nelson County, offering wisdom, kindness, and life advice to all who came. She was a loving soul to all who met her.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Roy Boone for his kindness in being with the family in a time of need. We would also like to thank the many doctors and nurses at the University of Virginia’s hospital, who offered compassionate care. In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Joe Hall, and Dr. Craig Slingluff, for their unwavering assistance navigating the day-to-day care and advice.

Funeral services will be held at Ridgecrest Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 with family greeting at 12 PM, followed by service at 1 PM with Pastor Tyler Lucas officiating with interment, following at the gravesite in Ridgecrest Baptist Church Cemetery. Special music will be performed by Gracelyn Bride.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to IronDogScar a nonprofit for UVA Cancer research benefiting Dr. Craig Slingluff, P.O. Box 145 Lovingston, Virginia 22949, or online at IronDogScar.org.

Arrangements by Wells Sheffield Funeral Chapel Lovingston, VA (434) 263-4097.