Mary H. Simpson

Mary Hempleman Simpson passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 08, 2006, two weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday. She died at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia of cerebral injuries sustained in a recent fall.

Mrs. Simpson is survived by James F. Simpson, her husband of 57 years; her son, Dr. John Simpson of Burke, Va.; her daughter Laura S. Dozier of Severn, Md.; and three granddaughters, Rebecca Simpson, Margaret Dozier and Virginia Dozier.

Mary Margaret Hempleman was born in Basil, Ohio, on Oct. 24, 1916. She graduated from Liberty Union High School in 1932 and graduated from Ohio State University at the age of 19 in 1936 with B.A. degrees in both Latin and Mathematics.

She was also a gifted piano accompanist. After teaching Latin and Music for several years in the central Ohio public school system, she moved to Southern California as the professional studio accompanist for a nationally renowned voice teacher. While working in Los Angeles, she attended the University of Southern California, where she met her future husband.

After his graduation from USC, James F. Simpson and Miss Hempleman were married on Dec. 26, 1948, back in Basil, Ohio. Following the wedding, the couple fulfilled academic positions at Brenau College, East Carolina University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and Rich High School. During these times, Mrs. Simpson raised two children and was active musically in the community and the church.

While living in Park Forest, Ill., she played for several years in a piano trio with Joe Fischer, violin, (later professor of violin at Limestone College) and Eloise Cartwright, cello.

The family moved to Gaffney in 1962 when James, her husband, was offered the position of Chairman of the Department of Music at Limestone College.

When in Gaffney, Mrs. Simpson spent 25 years on the music faculty at Limestone College teaching piano, music history, music appreciation, pedagogy, music theory and arranging, and accompanying numerous musicians. She touched the lives of many students.

In January 1964 she began a 42-year career as Music Director for Limestone Presbyterian Church, retiring in September 2005. She loved every aspect of her job in the church and was continuously active in her roles as musician, teacher, and coach.

In the community, Mrs. Simpson was involved in the local and state chapters of AAUW and the Cherokee County Arts Council. She was awarded a scholarship by AAUW to attend Converse College, where she earned a Master's Degree in Fine Arts in Music Education. She was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Gaffney Little Theater.

A memorial service will be held at Limestone Presbyterian Church in December. Her ashes will be interned in the columbarium at Limestone Presbyterian Church.

Any memorial gifts may be made to either Limestone Presbyterian Church Music Fund or the Professor Mary Simpson Music Scholarship Fund at Limestone College Music Department.