Rayma Lee Simpson graced this world for 85 years, she passed on June 18, 2023, surrounded by her family. Rayma was born July 30, 1937, to Ray and Phyllis (Holden) Thomas in the Turkey Oak community, Shannon County, Missouri. She was 1 of 7 children.
Rayma graduated from Birch Tree High School and attended Draughon Business School in Springfield, Missouri. Upon graduating from business school, she began her career, which took her from Mountain View, Eminence, to Winona Savings Bank. Throughout her career, she sought to treat all fairly and respectfully. She happily retired from the Winona Savings Bank in 1998.
Rayma was joined in marriage to Doyle Simpson on Feb 2, 1957. Through this union, Doyle and Rayma had three daughters, Kathryn Raye, Brenda Kay, and Phyllis Ann.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Phyllis Thomas; husband, Doyle Simpson; sisters, Hermina Martin and Lorene Stinson; brother, Odell Thomas; and mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Simpson.
Rayma is survived by a sister, Etta Yarber (Norman) of Mountain View, MO; brothers, Gerald Thomas and Don Thomas (Sharon) of Birch Tree, MO; three daughters, Kathryn Raye Hilton (Tom), Brenda Kay Acord (Tim) both of Winona, MO, and Phyllis Ann Atkins (Tony) of Harrisburg MO; and a young man dear to Rayma and Doyle’s heart and seen as a son, Djordje (DJ) Nisavic from Belgrade, Serbia. Rayma had 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Rayma and her husband, Doyle, were members of the Winona Christian Church. Rayma’s passions in life were family, traveling, and creating crafts while attending craft shows across the Ozarks. I know she has had a great family reunion with her passing.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Winona Christian Church, Winona, Missouri, with Pastor Adam Gordon officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. also at the church. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis Children’s Hospital and left at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
