Jo Sue Simpson

Jo Sue Leonard Simpson passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018, at the Talbot Hospice House in Easton, MD. She left this world as she lived, in peace and with grace. She was 85. Born in Chincoteague, VA, she was the daughter of Henry and Mabel Hill Leonard. She was educated in the Accomack County Public Schools system followed by a year at Stratford Hall in Danville, VA. From there she entered Westhampton College of The University of Richmond, Virginia. While there, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After graduation in 1954, she returned to the university to work in the Psychology Department. In 1955, she met W. Rembert Simpson (Rem), and they were married in 1957. The couple moved to Fairfax, VA, where Rem was employed. Jo Sue worked as a substitute teacher in the Fairfax County Public Schools system and then taught full-time at Terreset Elementary School in Reston, VA. She was active in the Fairfax United Methodist Church and often volunteered in civic functions. In 1988, they moved to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and bought a home on the Miles River between Easton and St. Michaels. She became active in St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and served many years as a docent at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Jo Sue also enjoyed playing bridge and played with several groups. She and Rem were also fond of world traveling and traveled extensively, as well as enjoying their winter home in Sarasota, FL. Jo Sue was a member of the Harbour Club of The Eastern Shore, Talbot Country Club, Miles River Yacht Club, and a life member of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. In 2014, the couple moved to Bayleigh Chase, a CCRC Retirement Community in Easton. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Rem; one daughter, Susan Simpson Kortier (John); two granddaughters, Katie and Jennifer of Atlanta, GA; one sister, Elaine Leonard Davis of Richmond, VA; and four nephews, Bill, John, Gregory, and Kelly. Services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 100 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD 21601. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601; St. Mark’s UMC, 100 Peachblossom Rd., Easton, MD 21601; Bayleigh Chase, 501 Dutchman’s Lane, Easton, MD 21601; or Critchlow Atkins Children’s Center, 133 N Washington St, Easton, MD 21601.

Jo Sue Simpson

October 6, 1932 - March 5, 2018