Janice Simpson

First Lady Janice Simpson transitioned peacefully from the cares of this world to eternity on Thursday,November 20, 2014 at the Covenant Healthcare-Cooper Campus. She was born on March 17, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois.
First Lady Simpson was previously employed for many years in the culinary profession but spent the last decade being a dedicated servant to God, her husband and her family in spite of her illness. First Lady Simpson was a proud graduate of Saginaw High School Class of 1975. She was truly a stern and humbled woman who didn't allow her 2006 breast cancer diagnosis to prevent her from
living her life to the fullest. It was her enduring strength that did not let cancer win, but she proceeded in the victory of living life more abundantly.
First Lady Simpson accepted Christ at an early age and serving the Lord was something that she loved to do. She was a minister's wife and a First Lady at the Bethlehem Baptist Church where she didn't take her roles lightly. She was an authentic servant.
First Lady Simpson's passion was serving others. Whether it was cooking, cleaning, designing and/or sewing, sacrificing for others needs, decorating, lending a listening ear in times of need or just being present for others. All her qualities reflect the image of Christ, A Servant. "Not so with you. Instead,
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servants" Matthew 20:26.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Pastor Lafayette Simpson; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Helen Murdock; six children, Amanda Hopkins of Ohio, Xavier Hopkins (JaLynn), Ronald Hopkins, Brandon Hendricks, Tamara Simpson of Texas and Jordan Simpson; seven grandchildren, King Michael Smith of Ohio, Xavion Hopkins, Izayah Whittington of Nebraska, Mya Hopkins, KaRon Cooper, Myanna Scott and Alexxandria Braddock; six sisters, Linda (Billy) Thomas, Paulette Lowery, Sharon Hopkins, Rosemary (Reggie) Rutledge of Texas, Tammy Simpson of Illinois and Tanja (Melvin) Smothers; four brothers, Clyde (Luella) Hopkins, Benjamin (Sherlene) Hopkins, Darren Hopkins, and Pastor Taurus (Darlene) Simpson; many nieces and nephews including a special bond with Rhonda (Glenn) Dobson of Ohio, Charlotte Green of Georgia, Anthony Hopkins, Sheldon Hopkins, Corey Lowery of Iowa, Desmond Lowery, Sharnice (GerQuia) Abner, Shanae Moore, Alexis Hopkins, Shavel Shivers, Sidney Hopkins, Sheree Hopkins, Styles Hopkins, Niles Hopkins, Darren Hopkins Jr. (Brianna), Shardanae (Arthur) Hopkins and Vincent Hopkins; a host of other family and friends who were dear to her heart that are too numerous to mention.
She was predeceased by her mother, Mildred Lowery, father, Henry Hopkins, two sisters, Jackie Baldridge and Gloria Hopkins.
First Lady Janice Simpson was a loving, caring, dedicated WIFE, MOTHER, AUNT, SISTER, DAUGHTER and FRIEND to allL. Let her life be celebrated and honored as a blessing to us all.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel, Bethlehem Baptist Church and Minister Ben Smith.
Visitation: Sunday, November 30, 2014 - 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Family Hour/Musical 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Bethlehem Baptist Church
3309 Bundy Street
Saginaw, Michigan
(989) 752-5866
Celebration of Life: Monday, December 1, 2014 - 11:00am
Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters
615 South Jefferson Avenue
Saginaw, Michigan
(989) 755-3745
Officiating: Pastor Lafayette Simpson
Interment: Forest Lawn Cemetery