Lizzie M. Simpson

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Lizzie Mae Simpson, 82, of Raleigh, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on April 14, 2026, under hospice care at her home. She was born on October 25, 1943, in York, South Carolina, to her parents, Lee Earl Thompson and Helene Walker Thompson. 

Lizzie spent her early years in York, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, before later settling in Raleigh. She earned her high school diploma from York Road High School and then pursued her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification at Durham Technical Community College. Lizzie’s nursing career was a testament to her dedication and heart for people. She was a woman of strength, faith, and unwavering compassion—a true servant of God whose life reflected love in action. 

Lizzie began her career as a nursing assistant at Rex Hospital on Saint Mary Street in Raleigh, NC. She continued her work at Rex when the hospital relocated to Lake Boone Trail. After earning her license, she dedicated over 20 years of service to Rex Hospital. While at Rex, she devoted part-time employment to Dorothea Dix Hospital and Wake Medical Center for several years before moving on to serve 18 impactful years at Central Prison, retiring in 2011. While there, she worked in Outside Rounds within the prison hospital, but her most meaningful role was serving as a nurse on Death Row. In a place often filled with despair, Lizzie brought comfort, dignity, and humanity. The inmates affectionately called her “Mama Simpson,” a reflection of the love and care she extended to every life she encountered. 

Even after retirement, Lizzie’s passion for helping others never stopped. Just three months later, she returned to nursing through home health care, continuing for five more years. The relationships she built were lasting— many families she cared for remained in contact with her throughout the years. Her legacy is not only defined by her years of service but by the love she poured into everyone she met. Lizzie was loving, strong, faithful, and full of joy. She was known for her nurturing spirit, her radiant smile, and her ability to make everyone feel seen and cared for. 

Lizzie will be lovingly remembered by her children: Pamela Simpson Carranza (Miguel), William J. Simpson Jr. (Heather), Kevin F. Simpson Sr. (Stacey), and step-son Chris Hunter. Her grandchildren: William Simpson III, Lakeisha Simpson, Alyssa Simpson, Amber Underwood, Savannah Simpson, Monique Bowen, Devan Simpson, Dameon Hunter, Jasmine Simpson, Kevin Simpson Jr., Xavier Simpson, and Julius Simpson, including her great-grandchildren, Janiyah Evans and Lamiyah Redman. Her siblings: Mannie Thompson of Charlotte, Michael Thompson Sr. (Myetta) of Kings Mountain, and James Samuel Thompson of Charlotte, along with a loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous family, friends and her best friend Patricia Wright. 

Lizzie was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Earl Thompson and Helene Walker Thompson, her siblings, Willie Thompson and Maggie T. Wright. 

Lizzie was honored for her years of service, including recognition through the North Carolina Department of Public Safety and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Honor Guard. She also received her Nightingale Pinning Ceremony Award on April 10, 2026, a testament to her lifelong commitment to nursing. 

Lizzie Mae Simpson’s life was a reflection of faith, compassion, and service. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Public Viewing:  12:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Lea Funeral Home, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC. 

Funeral Service:  12:00 PM, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Lea Funeral Home Chapel, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Visitation:  11:30 AM - 12:00 PM, preceding the service in the chapel.

Interment: York Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC.  

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