Deacon Sadie Mae Simpson

The Life and the Legacy

Our Heavenly Father saw fit to reward Deacon Sadie Mae Holtzclaw Simpson with wings on Monday morning, November 22, 2021 in her 75 ^th season.  Her passing reminds us that death is sure, but life is uncertain.

Deacon Simpson was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 3, 1946 to the late Walter and Annie Holtzclaw, Sr.  She attended Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and graduated from West Charlotte Senior High in 1964.  Upon graduation, she married the love of her life, Bobby Simpson on November 27, 1966 and into that union a son, Bobby Darrell, was born.   They shared 55 wonderful, glorious years of marriage.  Sadie was a devoted and dedicated wife, mother and friend.  She was employed by Lance Packing Company where she retired.

Sadie accepted Christ at an early age and continued her walk with Him for 69 years.  Even in her declining health, she still served the Lord.   Sadie was a Christian lady, who loved the Lord and served Him faithfully at St. Paul Baptist Church since the tender age of six years of age.  She faithfully and joyfully served in many ministries at St. Paul Church including Missionary, Mass Choir, Hymn Choir, Prayer Ministry, Deaconess, Deacon and an avid Sunday School attendee.  One of her highlights was when she was crowned “Queen of St. Paul”—what a day!  Oftentimes people would say “here comes the Queen” and she would just grin with that beautiful smile of hers.  For over 40 years, she also served and ministered to people of all ages, races and denominations.  She worked with the homeless, the sick, ministered to prisoners in jail and many others, just to name a few.

With a real zest for life, Sadie loved to dance, sing, write songs and inspirational messages to others, read the Bible and pray—especially with her granddaughters.  She never met a stranger and she loved chatting with her family and friends.  And she loved to travel, especially to Washington to see her dear friend Beverly and to Atlanta to see another one of her dear friends, Gracie.

Throughout her life, Deacon Simpson maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing, love and faith.  Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter and joking around will never be forgotten.

Deacon Sadie Simpson was a Godly woman and an incredibly strong-willed woman.  She left a legacy to her family of God’s amazing love and grace and was an example for all who knew her. We look forward to the day we will be united in Heaven with her.

She leaves to cherish her life, legacy and memory, her loving and devoted husband, Bobby Simpson of Charlotte, NC; son, Bobby Darrell (Heather)Simpson  of Raleigh, NC, two granddaughters, Trinity Simpson and Hannah Simpson of Raleigh, NC; one brother, Walter Holtzclaw, Jr. (Lucille) of Charlotte, NC;  one sister, Ardie Clyburn of Charlotte, NC; two brothers in law, Curtis Dunlap of Charlotte, NC and Bernard Simpson of San Francisco, CA;  two sisters in law, Donna  Smith of Charlotte, NC and Dianne Boyd of Charlotte, NC; two nephews, Walter Holtzclaw, III (Stephanie) of Charlotte, NC and Christopher Holtzclaw (Sonsare) of Charlotte, NC; three nieces, Terri Clyburn of Charlotte, NC; Ursula Kim Holtzclaw of Charlotte, NC; Crystal Barringer (Thomas) of Charlotte, NC and a host of other relatives including cousins, family and friends.

“And they shall be mine.” Saith the Lord of hosts,

“in that day when I make up My jewels….”

Malachi 3:17