Gladys Simpson

Gladys Nidia Gerschenhon Simpson 74 of Odessa, Texas passed away on November 7, 2014. Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 11th, at 5pm to 7pm and funeral services will be Wednesday, November 12th, at 1pm.

Gladys was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina on December 16th, 1939 to Dr. Adolfo Gerschenhon and Ester Halperin Gerschenhon. She graduated from the National University in Argentina with degrees in Biochemistry and Physics. She attended the University of Texas at Austin on an international merit scholarship taking an American Masters in Biochemistry and teaching undergraduate chemistry.
After returning to Rosario, Argentina she began teaching at the American School for City Services International, were she meet James Earl Jim Simpson. They were married December 3rd, 1965. Jim and Gladys, after working many overseas positions, settled in Odessa, Texas to begin their family. While Jim continued to work overseas large scale construction projects, Gladys remained in Odessa as Chief Petroleum Chemist for Continental Products. In August, 1973 Jim and Gladys started their lifetime endeavor by opening Jims Tall Big Mans Shop. Jims Tall Big has given Gladys, Jim, and their family many wonderful gifts, the most treasured of those are the thousands of customers and hundreds of true friends. Jims is continued today by Gladys and Jims son David.

Not only was Gladys a scientist, educator, entrepreneur, but she was a caring philanthropist and volunteer. Be it the Thursday Study Club, American Cancer Society, The Downtown Lioness Club and the many others, giving back to her community and world by helping others gave her great personal joy. Her greatest commitment though was by far for her beloved Pan American Round Table. Be it a local table member, State Director, National Executive Director, or International Director General, nothing gave her more joy or pride than fostering goodwill among the women of the Americas. Providing educational opportunities and scholarships to women and girls in North, Central, and South America so that they may better their lives and the lives of others gave her a greater purpose and true personal joy.

Gladys is preceded in death by her parents Dr. Adolfo and Ester Gerschenhon. Her husband and partner in all things James Earl Jim Simpson.

She is survived by a host of loving Brothers and SistersinLaws whom she cared for deeply. Her beautiful and loving daughter Linda Simpson, whose commitment to education, bilingualism, and the protection and care of children throughout society brought joy and immense pride to Gladys every day. Also her son David Simpson, the joy of her life, who also became, with Jim, her long time business partner and close friend.

The Family asks that instead of any flowers or food, that all of our caring friends and extended family please give memorials to the Pan American Gladys Simpson Scholarship Fund. Contributions should be sent to P.A.R.T. of Odessa, Juanita Silva, Treasurer at 116 Waimea Drive, Odessa, TX. 79762. Donations by check should be made to Pan American Round Table re Gladys Simpson Scholarship Fund and the Simpson family would like all to know that any such acts of caring and generosity for others in Gladys name will be matched by the family so that her spirit of giving may live on.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
5:00 7:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Sunset Memorial Chapel
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

P.A.R.T - Juanita Silva
Odessa, TX  79762