Cora Frances Stewart Simpson, 81, of Sierra Vista, AZ died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. She was born March 22, 1931 in Curwensville, a daughter of the late Israel and Pearl (Jones) Stewart.
Mrs. Simpson retired as a secretary from the Philadelphia School District in 1993 after nearly 25 years of service. She had previously been employed by the Internal Revenue Service and Carver Loan and Investment Company in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Simpson was also a graduate of Curwensville Area High School, class of 1949.
She was a long-time member of Haven Peniel United Methodist Church in Philadelphia and current member of Shiloh Christian Ministeries in Sierra Vista, AZ.
She’s survived by her husband, Alfred L. Simpson, whom she wed July 8, 2003, and a son, Steven A. Kirby and his wife, Yolonda of Clifton Park NY.
Surviving are a son-in-law, Christopher Kersey of Valrico, FL; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Kirby of Pittsburgh; and a special daughter, Melinda Mason of Philadelphia.
Surviving are step-sons, Donald Ervin of South Carolina, Mark A. Simpson and his wife Verena of Germany; and William A. Simpson and his wife, Jacqueline of San Manuel, AZ and step-daughters, Annette Simpson Mayes and Gloria Simpson-Jones and her husband, Marvin, all of Sierra Vista, AZ.
Also surviving are 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Freda Stephans and her husband, Alexander of Morton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Kimlee Ann Clark-Kersey; a son, Roderick Kirby; a step-daughter, Brenda Lillard Ervin; five sisters, Lula Berry; Minnie Hightower; Geraldine Cales; Leora Lynch; Belva Bell; and six brothers, Chester, Glen, Herman, Melvin, Owen and Wallace Stewart.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Curwensville United Methodist Church, Curwensville, with the Rev. Dr. Robert S. Ludrowsky and the Rev. Alexander Stephans officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Curwensville.
Friends will be received from 10 a.m. until the hour of services Thursday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Casa de la Paz Hospice, 185 S. Moorman St., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.
The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Curwensville, is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.