Reathella Irene James Simpson was born to the late Anna Ward James and Howard Bridges on May 17, 1927 in Washington, DC. She departed this life on May 29, 2007 after a lengthy illness.
Raised and educated in Washington, DC, Reathella worked in various capacities before gaining employment with the federal government in the early 1960's. She was employed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as an elevator operator until her retirement in the late 1970's.
Reathella completed rigorous training and served briefly as an undercover detective. The death of her son hastened her resignation from the force.
She loved youngsters and Reathella dedicated her life to helping young children. She was employed by the UDC Early Childhood Learning Center as a teacher's assistant and remained in this capacity until her failing health forced her departure.
Reathella was a strong, tenacious woman whose kind spirit and generosity touched many. She was most known for her fabulous cooking skills, most impressively her flavorful cakes with pecans and scrumptious pies.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Simpson; a son, Ivan Simpson; a grandson, Tony Mosby, Jr.; a brother, Hispiano James and an aunt, Ethel Spencer.
Reathella leaves to cherish her memory seven children, Ethella Palmer, Grace Simpson, Edward Simpson, Jr., Bonita Simpson, Lester Simpson, Edward Hayes, Jr. and Lynn Knox; a daughter-in-law, Dawn Hayes; a son-in-law, William Knox; twenty grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren; two sisters, Delores Hamilton and Florita Walker; a brother, Earl Bridges; an uncle, Moses Ward and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 11:00 AM until the service at 12 noon in the Chapel of the Cedar Hill Funeral Home, 4111 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suitland, Maryland. Interment will be in the Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Maryland.