Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Francie Loretta Simpson Grimes, age 71

Francie Loretta Simpson Grimes, 71, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was called home Friday, September 29, 2023. She was born October 2, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Hazel Agnes (Williams) and Frank Anthony Bauer.

She was devoutly Catholic and graduated Mount St. Mary Academy in 1970. She found love at 18 and started a family, became a loving mother, devoted homemaker, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a creative and artistic spirit, and was an ardant fan of primitive decor. She found a thrill in the hunt at bargain and thrift shops. Her mind was always designing, crafting, and praying.

Francie’s memory is honored by her former husband and lifelong friend, Jeffrey N Simpson of North Little Rock AR; her two sons Jessie G Simpson of Lonoke AR; and Jacob A A Simpson; her “only & favorite” daughter-in-law, Jacob’s wife Cherie L (Buchman) both of Maumelle AR; her granddaughter Emily J Simpson (Drew A Pearson) of Springfield MO; her grandson Osiris F T Silbermann (Simpson) of Maumelle AR; and her cherished great-granddaughter Adelynn J Pearson (dau of Emily and Drew) of Springfield MO; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Jane A Moak (Jerry); and Mary A Harpending (Steve); and a second husband Robert W Grimes.

Francie’s wish was to be cremated and to hold no service. Instead, the family will hold a private gathering to celebrate her life at a later date.

The family would like to thank Dr. Washington and Dr. Wilder for their medical care and compassion, and CARTI for their advanced cancer care.

“Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” – Oliver Goldsmith

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

13 Comments

  • Bob Koorstad Posted October 2, 2023 2:03 PM

    May you walk with the angels in the new Jerusalem.

    • Jacob Simpson Posted October 2, 2023 2:21 PM

      Thank you so much Coach. God Bless.

  • Laurie Taylor Posted October 2, 2023 8:30 PM

    Aunt Francie was always so sweet to me. Praying for all of you and love you so much.

    • Cherie Posted October 3, 2023 11:58 AM

      Thank you Laurie! We love you too.

    • Jessie Simpson Posted October 8, 2023 10:18 PM

      Thank you…Lots of Love.

  • Barry Harpending Posted October 3, 2023 7:02 PM

    I loved my Aunt Francie. She was a wonderful person, and I loved going over to her house.

    When I was a kid I remember, I’d be at my grandmother and granddaddy’s house. Someone would notify me that, “Aunt Francie was on her way home from school.” I would run to the window and wait for her to get home.

    And, I will always remember her laughter. That was Francie. I always loved that about my Aunt and remember thinking, “I want to be like that.”

    I love you and miss you Aunt Francie.

    • Jessie Simpson Posted October 8, 2023 10:19 PM

      Thank you for sharing Barry, love to you and your family.

  • Dede Posted October 3, 2023 7:10 PM

    It’s never gonna be a goodbye Momma Fran, I will hold you in my heart forever! I love you. Prayers for strength to all! She was one in a million!

    • Jessie Simpson Posted October 8, 2023 10:24 PM

      Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers…do hold her and carry her

  • Susan Story Posted October 4, 2023 1:54 PM

    I love Francie. She was always such a joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with Jessie, Jacob, Cherie and the kids.

    • Jessie Simpson Posted October 8, 2023 10:14 PM

      Thank You, Susan. Mom has been sick all year, and lost her battle with cancer days before her bday. Love to you, hope your family is well.

  • Tina Bosley Posted October 4, 2023 1:55 PM

    Sending my condolences, I know she meant the world to you- prayers for you all (and my love to Marnie & Dede)

    • Jessie Simpson Posted October 8, 2023 10:26 PM

      Thank you, Tina, for your thoughts and prayers.

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