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Beatrice Simpson, 86, of Enid, died peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital in the early morning hours of August 14, 2020. Bea was born to Madge and Robert Campbell in Cotton Hill, Missouri on April 9, 1934. She grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where she met Robert Simpson at the age of 12 and later married him on June 3, 1955.
She attended Phillips University for her undergraduate education, earning her B.S. in Education in 1956. Bea was always a top student and active in campus life as a member of Zonta, Varsity Club Sweetheart, participant in dramatic and choral presentations, and was voted as "All-School Friendliest" by her peers. She received her Master of Education in 1957, and later completed school administrative certification from Oklahoma State University. Bea taught in Garber, Oklahoma for the first two years of her distinguished career in the field of public education, followed by service in the Chicago Public Schools for four years, Enid High School beginning in 1962, and finally retiring from Longfellow Junior High where she was a member of the administrative team. She also taught classes at Phillips University-Japan for five years as an associate professor.
A dedicated community leader, Bea served as president of Chapter DO, PEO, on several occasions, and as chair of many boards and committees during her lifetime of service to University Place Christian Church and Central Christian Church, where she was a member at the time of her death. She took on leadership roles in the Christian Women's Fellowship, Enid Arts & Humanities Council, University Women, YWCA, Oklahoma Education Association, and innumerable other local and state organizations.
She and Bob loved to cook and entertain, belonging to several gourmet dinner groups and consistently planning dinners and other events. A gracious and elegant hostess, Bea was known for her sophisticated bearing and etiquette, making guests feel welcome in the family home. She was also an avid athlete, playing field hockey in high school and taking up running and backpacking in her adult years. She loved the arts, particularly opera and symphony, and travel throughout the world. She cherished the time the couple spent living in Sweden and Japan, and their extensive travels abroad as well as domestically. A lifelong learner, Bea could be found reading constantly, whether it was her favorite mystery thriller novel, or any number of non-fiction topics from homeopathic medicine to politics. Her time spent in book club discussions with her fellow bibliophiles was one of her greatest joys.
Beatrice is survived by her husband, Robert, of the home, and daughter and granddaughter, Megan and Avery Simpson. A public memorial service will be held for Beatrice on Friday afternoon, August 21, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church, 1111 West Broadway Avenue, Enid, Oklahoma, officiated by Tom Stanley and Diane Stein. Social distancing guidelines will be followed for those who wish to attend. Services are under the direction of Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in Beatrice's name may be made to the Phillips University Legacy Fund or University Place Christian Church c/o the Simpson Family Memorial Trust through the funeral home.
Condolences can be given to Bea's family online at www.enidwecare.com
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