Debbie Simpson

January 16, 1955 – April 11, 2025

Debbie Simpson, 70, of Brookport, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. She was born on January 16, 1955, to William and Shirley Duncan.

Debbie was a strong, comforting, and deeply caring woman who had a way of making everyone feel like family. She dedicated a majority of her life to being a stay-at-home mom, pouring her heart and soul into raising her children. She treated others with a rare kind of warmth and kindness, always opening her heart and home to anyone in need of love or support. Known by many as "everyone's Nana," Debbie was always there for anyone who needed her, with open arms and a loving heart.

She had a true gift in the kitchen and was known by many as the best cook around—her meals brought people together and made every gathering feel like home. Debbie also had a playful, joyful spirit, with a lifelong love for Snoopy that never faded. She found peace and pride in her garden, always making sure her porch was lined with the biggest, most beautiful ferns she could find.

More than anything, Debbie loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. She poured her heart into her children and grandchildren, and her greatest joy came from spending time with them, caring for them, and watching them grow.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of nearly 49 years, Danny Simpson, whom she married on June 18, 1976; her children, Ronnie Traversy (wife Mallary Traversy), Heather Traversy, and Katie Choate; her stepdaughter, Cherie Nicole Simpson; her grandchildren, Rodger Dale Forthman III, Amber Forthman (fiancée Austin Leigh), Danyelle Holmes, Braedan Holmes, Tessa Traversy, Blayne Traversy, and Hadlee Traversy; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; her sisters, Pat Giltner (husband Steve Giltner), Cindy Jeffords (husband Allen Jeffords), and Carolyn Scott; her brother, William "Junior" Duncan; and her beloved dog, Benny, her constant companion and cherished sidekick who brought her comfort and joy, always loyally by her side.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Robin Harmon; her grandchild, Clarissa Henry; her brother, Billy Frank Duncan; her brother-in-law, Hughie Scott; her nephews, Xaiver Frank and Luke Jeffords; her niece, Tatum Scott; her parents, William and Shirley Duncan; her grandparents, Bill and Betty Edwards, and Samuel Franklin and Hester Viola Duncan; and her father- and mother-in-law, Opha and Virginia May Simpson.

Debbie's legacy of love, strength, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Loftus-McManus Brookport Funeral Home with Dee Ann Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Sterling Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Loftus-McManus Brookport Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Wedeking, Eddie Averitt, Jim Lagore, Landon Hughes, Keith Riley, and Ronnie Henson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Lafont, John Lafont, Jim Hines, Dawson Clark, Steve Reed, Drew Lafont, Kenneth Ramer, and Austin Leigh.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Loftus-McManus Brookport Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com