Mary Kathryn (Kell) Simpson

Mary Kathryn Kell Simpson, 89, formerly of Waxhaw, N.C., died Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at Elmcroft Senior Living in Southern Pines, N.C. Mary Kathryn was born August 31, 1928 in Rock Hill, S.C. to the late Samuel Hicklin Kell Jr. and Margaret Hasty Kell. She attended Montreat College and graduated from Queens College. She was a first grade teacher for Union County Schools for 30 years and a member of Tirzah Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, David; daughter Kathryn Kell Simpson Lassiter and husband Steve of Pinehurst, N.C., sister Margaret Ward Kell Caudill and husband Jake of Laurinburg, N.C., daughter-in-law Linda Simpson of Charlotte, N.C. and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, David Thomas Simpson Jr. She was the loving grandmother of Sarah Simpson Diebold and husband Chris of Summit, N.J., Kate Simpson of Durham, N.C., Jay Lassiter of Alpharetta, GA., and Will Lassiter of Pinehurst and great grandmother of Lily Diebold. She loved her family, her church, her neighbors, her friends, and her students dearly. She will be remembered for lovingly sharing the things she grew in her garden, cooked in her kitchen, made with her hands, and bought on her shopping trips with others. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 20, at Tirzah Presbyterian Church, 7507 Tirzah Church Road, Waxhaw, N.C. with the Rev. Janet Tyson officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. The family wishes to express their love and appreciation to the Tirzah Church community and the staff of Elmcroft for the compassionate care, love, and support over the last few years. Memorial donations can be made to Meals on Wheels or the Tirzah Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be made to www.gordonfuneralservice.com. Gordon Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe, N.C. is caring for the Simpson family. Visitation: Saturday, January 20, 2018 Following the service.