Wynell Simpson

After more than a century of enjoying life on her Lord’s earthly creation, Wynell Blacklock Simpson peacefully took her promised place in heaven on November 21, 2021.

Wynell was born on May 22, 1921, to John and Maggie Blacklock in Hamilton County, Texas, the youngest of eight daughters.

Growing up on the family farm, she developed her lifelong love of animals, cooking, gardening, and sewing. It was also where she discovered her deep, unwavering faith in Christ and began her walk in His light. Also, despite vowing never to return to school after her first day because she “already knew everything they were talking about”, it is where she began to enjoy reading and “learning for the sake of learning.” This journey would eventually include her earning a degree in Library Sciences from Sul Ross State University in Alpine.

Wynell married Marvis Simpson on November 7, 1940, in Hico. After moving to Dallas, their first son, Marvis Wayne, was born July 19, 1942, and their second son, Robert Donald, was born December 21, 1943. The family relocated to Iraan in 1947 and then eventually moved to Odessa.

Involved with the First Baptist Church in Iraan and Northside Baptist Church in Odessa, Wynell also found time for genealogy research, leading to memberships in both the Daughters of the American Revolution and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Her love of learning expanded to travel, with her visiting as far abroad as Japan and China. But, regardless of where she roamed, she was always most fond of her home in Texas (though Alaska was admittedly a strong second).

A small plaque in Wynell’s home read, “No matter where I serve my guests, they always like my kitchen best.” Any who had the pleasure of visiting her home know this sentiment was not only true, but nearly an understatement. In addition to pleasing family and friends, Wynell’s cooking was constantly in demand for church socials and other functions, which she would contribute to in her typically happy and humble way.

Wynell was also very gifted in growing food, spending countless hours tending her garden and yielding such large bounties that family, friends, friends-of-friends, and sometimes perfect strangers were regularly gifted with fresh produce. Sewing also allowed her to create gifts she loved to share, ranging from clothes to quilts. She would also share her love of reading by donating books to her local library.

Celebrating her 100th birthday in May of this year allowed time to reflect on how much the world had changed in Wynell’s life, but also how much Wynell had remained constant and true to herself, her family, and her God. Her strong moral center, seemingly limitless patience, and exemplary kindness were a comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Wynell spent the last ten years of her life in the wonderful community at Manor Park in Midland and was lovingly cared for in her final days by Angel’s Care Hospice.

She is survived by her son, Don Simpson, and his wife, Cindy, Grandson Les Simpson and his wife, Crystal, Granddaughter Amber Simpson, Step-Granddaughter Kay Arbuckle, Step-Grandson Jay Arbuckle and his wife, Debbie, Step-Granddaughter Kim Miller and her husband, Burt, three great-grandchildren, and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, November 27 at 10:00 AM at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Odessa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Odessa Public Library in her name.