Virginia May (Hanks) Simpson, 91, of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 6th, 2024 with her daughters by her side.

Virginia's  last week was filled with love and laughter surrounded by her loving family. Virginia's  journey home was peaceful, graceful and on her own terms. Her little giggle was present until the end.

Virginia (Gin as she was often called), the Matriarch of our family, was born December 31st, 1932, to James and Birdie Hanks in Promised Land-Walnut Ridge, AR. She was tough as nails and witty as they come. Virginia grew up in the Arkansas woods in a log cabin. She would start many stories with "When we came out of the woods" and talked often about their Pentecostal upbringing. The memories she shared were movie like and unimaginable compared to her later life. Her childhood was not easy, and they did not have much, but they all worked hard to provide for the family, including our mom who was very proud that she could pick more cotton than her brothers. She often spoke of the struggles her family had but also shared all the good times.

In 1955 she met her husband John Simpson, who would be her lifelong partner until his passing in 2002. There was not a day that went by that our dad did not call her "Sweetheart". They moved around until finally landing in Riddle, OR in 1972. They loved to spend time fishing on the Rogue River, at the Oregon Coast and anywhere they could drop a line.

Virginia had a passion for gardening and grew the most beautiful flowers and plants. Her colorful yard was her pride and joy.  If you knew our mom, you know she loved bright colors inside and out!  When you entered her home, you never knew what color you would see on the walls, floors or anyplace she could paint. She was also a talented oil painter but had to give it up later due to her health. Most of her life she was a homemaker, of course, with that many children what else could she be. She was a fantastic southern cook and made the world's best fudge, even though she did not love to cook.

She is survived by her children David (Wanda) Jackson of Tenmile, Sharon Thompson, Jerry Simpson, Tammy Painter all of Myrtle Creek, Danny (Cindy) Simpson of Idlelyd Park,  Teresa (Shane) DeWald of Roseburg;  grandchildren Shawn Brown, Tracy Thompson, Robert Thompson, Joe Jackson, Chris Painter, Jennifer Adams, Angela Pope, Cassandra Johnson, Cherie Jackson, Toni Sands, Logan Simpson, Brandy Simpson, John Simpson, Brandon Dean and Shayla Murdock; sister, Linda Springer;  twenty-six great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved dog Molly who she thought the world of.

Virginia was proceeded in death by her husband of 47 years, John "Red" Simpson, daughter Diana Simpson, son Gail Jackson, grandson Michael Painter, son-in-law Roy Painter, son-in-law Bob Thompson, brothers Delbert, Leon, Larry, and Gordon Hanks, and sister Shirley Angland.

Our mom was strong and stubborn until the very end. The Lord has his hands full!

Rest easy mom, you deserve it.

Funeral service will be held at Roseburg Memorial Gardens, Friday, March 22nd at 2:00pm followed by a memorial reception at daughter Teresa DeWald's home. Funeral arrangements have been made by Taylor's Family Mortuary.