Anna Bell Simpson

Anna Bell Simpson, 89, of the Blackwater community, widow of Mr. J.B. Simpson, passed from this life early Monday morning, Dec. 19, 2022, at her home. Born in Manila, she was the daughter of the late Willie Willard and Pearl Gifford Cheatham and had been a lifelong area resident. She enjoyed sewing, taking walks, reading and working in her yard. She was a longtime member of the Blackwater Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jason Booth Simpson; two great-grandsons, Matt Poe and Jack Simpson; one great-great-granddaughter, Kinley Wilbanks; four brothers, Johnny Cheatham, Jack Cheatham, Tom Cheatham and Boyce Cheatham; and five sisters, Jean Burkett, Margie Denton, Mary Griffin, Virginia Wright and Tiny Grubbs.

Survivors include her son, Willie Simpson and his wife Debbie of Caraway; daughter, Janie Hattle of Lepanto; two brothers, Calvin Arnold and Ronnie Cheatham, both of Sikeston, Mo.; three sisters, Betty Jones of Dexter, Mo., Shirley McIntyre of Salcedo, Mo., and Teresha Harris of Dexter, Mo. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Blackwater Baptist Church with a grandson, Joseph Simpson, giving the eulogy. Serving as active pallbearers will be Willie Simpson, Joshua Simpson, Joseph Simpson, Andrew Simpson, Bryan Poe and Tyson Banks. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. The family will receive visitors Wednesday from noon until service time. Online guest register: www.howardfuneralservice.com.