Barbara J. Simpson Death, Obituary; The family of Barbara J. Simpson, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime member of First Baptist Church of Memphis, is mourning her passing following a courageous fight with a rare form of cancer. Barbara passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Her death has left a deep sense of loss among relatives, friends, and members of her church community who remember her as a woman of deep faith, kindness, and dedication to service.
Barbara was born on October 15, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. She attended Cicero High School and graduated in 1980. Shortly after, she married her high school sweetheart, David L. Simpson, in 1981. The couple spent a short time living in San Diego, California, before eventually returning to New York, where they built their life and raised their family together.
Family members describe Barbara as a devoted mother who found immense joy in raising and educating her children. She homeschooled both of her children, nurturing not only their academic growth but also their faith and personal interests. Her son, David W. Simpson, pursued theater through the Christian School of Performing Arts (CSPA), where Barbara became a familiar and beloved volunteer for nearly a decade.
During her nine years with the program, she generously gave her time and energy, supporting students and staff with warmth and encouragement that left a lasting impression on many.
Barbara was also widely known for her involvement at First Baptist Church of Memphis. She dedicated countless hours to children’s ministry, serving as a Sunday School teacher and helping lead Vacation Bible School and AWANA programs. Through these roles, she shared her faith and compassion with many children, becoming a trusted mentor and guiding presence in the church.
Friends and fellow church members fondly recall her quick sense of humor, welcoming spirit, and the way she could brighten any room with laughter and encouragement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter E. and Mary L. Kreisberg, as well as her sister Bonita L. McCombie and brother Walter W. Kreisberg.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 45 years, David L. Simpson; her children, David W. Simpson and Kimberly Jaeger; and her grandchildren, Kaleb Jaeger, Anthony Farrington, Sierra Jaeger, and Colette Sullivan-Simpson. She also leaves behind her sisters, Janine Wall and Julie Gustina, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A calling hour in her honor will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Memphis in Elbridge, New York. A private burial will take place later at Maple Grove Cemetery in Jordan. Family members have also announced that lunch will be served after the service, and all are welcome to attend.
In place of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Memphis to support the ministries that Barbara cared about deeply.
Though she has passed on, Barbara J. Simpson’s legacy of faith, compassion, and devotion to family and community will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.