Alice Simpson

Alice Simpson was born in 1927. Her life began in humble circumstances as an orphaned child. Alice spent many years at “Little Flower House of Providence” which laid the spiritual foundation that would guide her throughout her remarkable life of 96 years. When Alice left Little Flower, she resided with Ms. Hunt in the Bronx, New York on Jennings Street. Here she met her husband, Milton Simpson. Their union produced 3 children Mitchell S. Simpson (deceased), Melanie S. Thwaites, and Jeanne S. Gule’. Alice was a fun loving and ambitious woman despite her difficult early life. Alice later met Ronald C. Douglas and the two of them had three children, Gloria Douglas, Veronica Douglas Torres (deceased) and Evelyn Douglas (deceased). Alice worked for the City of New York many years. She valued family and education and encouraged her children to do well in school. She believed that work built character, strength, and resilience. This was reflected in her as well as her children and grandchildren. While raising her children, Alice worked fulltime and after work attended college. She graduated in 1974 from Fairleigh Dickerson University in New Jersey. Alice obtained her BA in social work, proving that determination and education know no age limit. Alice made life-long friends and spoke her mind everywhere she traveled. She was a voracious reader and loved putting puzzles together and mounting them on the walls. Alice also was a member of the Lancaster YMCA and swam regularly, her pool friends called her “the mayor of the pool.” She also loved to frequent Alice’s Diner, her favorite eatery. The owner -Mr. Terry- was always excited to see her. Alice strengthened her faith in her later years by being very active as a member of ACTS Covenant Fellowship Church. She hosted house church and provided good food during their discussions. Everyone who crossed her path benefitted from her positive energy. Alice accomplished a lot in her life. However, her most significant accomplishments are her sacrificial acts for her children and grandchildren. At 60 years of age, Alice retired early and moved from Brooklyn, New York to Lancaster, PA to selflessly take on the role of caregiver of her youngest daughter Evelyn who was very ill. Alice cared for Evelyn’s children (Oscar, Edwin (deceased) and Christina) briefly. She also raised Veronica’s 3 youngest children (Ashley, Tiffany, and Danielle) for many years, lovingly nurturing them as her own. Alice lived a rich life. Her positive energy and generous spirit touched all who crossed her path, making everyone feel like family. She loved her favorite drink “Fire Ball”, loved good music and playing board and card games with friends and family. Card game days and nights were filled with fun, laughter, and food. As a fierce competitor during games, she often said “I play to win.” Alice’s culinary skills were unmatched, turning leftovers into gourmet delights, a true testament to her love for her family and friends! Alice was the heart and soul of the family, a true matriarch who leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. Those who went before her in glory are Milton Simpson, Ronald Douglas, Mitchell Simpson, Veronica Douglas Torres, Evelyn Douglas, Edwin Douglas, Jon Thwaites, Sr (son-in-law), Brian Gule’ (son-in-law) and Elvin Torres (son-in-law). She leaves behind 3 children Melanie Thwaites, Jeanne Gule’ and Gloria Douglas, 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends. The family expresses its sincere appreciation for your prayers and support and wants to thank those who cared for Alice in her later years. We give special thanks to her devoted grandson, Oscar Villafane, whose unwavering love, and care brought comfort and joy to Alice’s final years. Those who knew Alice as Mom, Grandma, Granny, Auntie, and friend and shared her faith, understand she is in a better place. However, she will be missed.

Alice Simpson

July 27, 2023