Ester Cornelia Simpkins was born February 17, 1926 to the union of Henry and Sally (James) Packard. She was the youngest of five children. She departed this earth August 19, 2020 at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Little Rock, AR.
She was united in marriage to Mose Simpkins January 7, 1943. Eight children were born to this union. She loved and welcomed five additional children into her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband to whom she remained devoted until transitioning to be with him again. She was also preceded in death by her beloved son Robert Lee Simpkins, Sr and daughter Genova Fells from her union with Mose; her children by love, sons Curtis Evester Simpkins and Joe Willie George and daughters Mary Cole and Coy Mae Clayton; two brothers, Cordell and James Packard; two sisters, Catherine and Charlie Mae Ingram.
She leaves to rejoice in her homegoing: one son Theadore Simpkins (Edith) of Dumas, AR; five daughters, Shirley Edgerson of Dumas, AR, Curtistine Walker (Woodrow Sr.) of San Diego, CA, Victoria Bell (Samuel, Sr.) of Vine Grove, KY, Mae Carolyn Tucker (Satchel) of San Diego, CA, Glenda Fay Hagood (Albert) of Little Rock, AR, & daughter in love, Helen Torrence Bey of Bonner Springs, KS.
Our dear “Momma Chook” will be missed by her 29 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ester Simpkins was a woman of tremendous faith. She was a mother and faithful member of Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church in Jerome, AR., under the leadership of Bishop Alfonso Madden. She and her husband Mose raised their children to honor God, family, and community. Her love for family was unrivaled. She had the ability to make everyone she touched feel favored. This kind of love extended even beyond her biological family to many who also lovingly call her Momma Chook. She will be missed.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 27, 2020 Family Time 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. and public viewing is from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Services will be Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10:30 at Serenity Gardens Chapel. The burial will be in Almeta Cemetery in Reedville, Arkansas following the services. Online registry is at www.serenitygardensfs.com
