Bettylouise C. Simpson

BETTYLOUISE C. SIMPSON (nee Caslin) age 99, of Euclid Ohio, went home to be with the Lord peacefully in Hospice care in her eldest daughter’s home in Jacksonville Florida on April 25, 2024. Born February 16, 1925, to Charles and Bertha Caslin, she was the youngest of five girls: Lenora, Rosa, Frances, and Bertha. Her parents and sisters all preceded her in death. 

Bettylouise grew up in the historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Cleveland Ohio where her family attended and were active in the life of the church. Bettylouise loved Sunday School and developed a lifelong passion for the Word of God. She responded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and personally surrendered her life to the Lord Jesus at age 11, and was baptized on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1938. 

Bettylouise enjoyed every season of her life and lived all of her life in Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs. She graduated from Cleveland Central High School in January 1943 with a major in Business and immediately began working as a Clerk for the Cleveland Board of Education. Always striving to improve her skills and level of competency, Bettylouise took and passed the Civil Service Exam in 1944. Her love for learning continued and she completed one year of studies at Fenn College of Business, now known as Cleveland State University. 

While living with her mother after the death of her father Charles in 1947 and enjoying her season of life as a young adult, Bettylouise met John L. Simpson. Their first date was at a church revival. They were married on September 16, 1950. She continued to work at the Cleveland Board of Education until their first child, Cynthia, was born in 1953. John and Bettlylouise continued to grow their family with the births of their daughters Sylvia, Maria, and Darcia. Bettylouise, now a full-time mother and homemaker, used her business training, professionalism, and managerial skills to help start and run their successful general contracting company, John L. Simpson & Associates. 

In 1961, Bettylouise and John purchased their own home in East Cleveland. She invited her mother, Bertha, known as Nana, to live with them in their new home. Bettylouise loved and cared for Nana until her passing in 1985 at age 91. Bettylouise was active in the Speedway Overlook Street Club and various East Cleveland Civic activities and was a poll worker at election time. 

Bettylouise’s faith in God was her comfort and strength. Her love for the Lord Jesus and the Bible fueled her desire to teach others about the Christian faith and kept her always serving in the Church. In 1962, she left her childhood church, Shiloh, to become a member of the newly founded Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Christ. While there she served on many committees, taught Sunday School and Jr Church, and assisted with Vacation Bible School. 

Later she moved her membership to Warrensville Road Community Baptist Church where she was over the Youth Department. Throughout her life, Bettylouise attended many workshops and seminars focused on Christian education, evangelism, discipleship, and training youths in the Christian faith. Working with young people and seeing them grow and develop in their faith was her passion. Collectively, for over 53 years, she was involved in some capacity ministering to young people. No matter what season of life she was in, Bettylouise loved God, His Word, and His Church. Well into her mid-90s she faithfully attended Calvary Assembly of God for morning worship and Sunday School, and Parkside Church for evening worship and Tuesday night Bible Study. 

In January 1973 Bettylouise returned to part-time employment at Rozelle Elementary School in East Cleveland as part of the Ohio School Lunch Initiative. Starting as a Lunch Aid, she was later promoted to Assistant Manager. She remained in that position until retirement in 1995. She retired early to care for her husband, John, who passed away on their 45th wedding anniversary. 

Bettylouise was known for her godly wisdom, great sense of humor, and fun-loving adventurous spirit. She loved to travel, meet new people, learn about new things (technology, computers, cell phones), and enjoy every season of life. Always striving to keep her mind sharp, she made it a priority to memorize Scripture, apply it to her daily life, and pray. She also liked crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, playing games on her tablet, playing with her great-grandchildren, traveling, photography, and in her late 90’s started coloring for relaxation. Every night at bedtime, Bettylouise put on her Bluetooth headphones and sang herself to sleep listening to the old hymns of the church and every song by Keith and Kristin Getty. 

Her singing and earthly presence will be missed. Bettylouise will be remembered and cherished as a loving mother by daughters Cynthia S. Brown (Duane), Sylvia S. Babajide (Bisi), Maria L. Simpson, and Darcia L. Simpson; a devoted grandmother by Joy Popoola, Rachael Brownford, Sarah Brown and Bamidele Babajide; an awesome great-grandmother by Joshua Popoola, Stone and Scarlet Brownford, along with their mother Sarajane Brownford; the fun Aunt of many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great Aunt of many. And finally, as an encourager to all who met, loved, interacted, and were blessed by her presence. 

Contributions may be made in memory of Bettylouise C. Simpson to “Missions” at Calvary Assembly of God, 28870 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH 44092. 

The Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of  Bettylouise C. Simpson at The DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) on Thursday, July 25th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Calling Hours) & Celebration of Life Service on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Calvary Assembly of God Church, 28870 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH. Visitation 1 hour before the service at 10:00 am. Reception Luncheon to follow after the service in the Church Hall.