of Little Rock, AR
September 28, 1957 - August 29, 2024
Karen Brooks Simpson, age 66, of Little Rock, Arkansas went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 29, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved family and friends and reunites in heaven with her mother, Margaret Ann Carlton Brooks; brothers, David Scott Brooks and Gregory Lyndon Brooks and her husband of 45 years, James Marlon Simpson, Jr., who all preceded her in death.
She is survived by her father, Carl L. Brooks of Little Rock; daughter, Caitlin West and husband, Dr. Andrew West; grandson, Charlie and granddaughter, Ellie all of Bentonville, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews.
Karen was born in Pocahontas, Arkansas and was raised in Little Rock. Karen's world always centered around her husband, Jim and their family. That center expanded with the birth of their daughter, Caitlin and eventually the births of Charlie and Ellie. Family was everything to her. Fiercely loyal, she loved to travel, was an avid reader, enjoyed her Book Club and never met a stranger.
In addition, Karen was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock for over 46 years where she held leadership positions during the Bible study hour with her husband, Jim. Her faith was strong as evidenced by the grace and dignity she exhibited openly during her final months of life. She taught friends and loved ones how to handle the most difficult of battles. It was those same friends she drew strength from during her courageous battle with cancer.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Baptist Health Medical Center, CARTI and Arkansas Hospice. Also, a special thanks for the friendship and unwavering support of Patrick Millwee of Little Rock during Karen's final months.
A visitation will be 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church. A celebration of Karen's life will be 10:00am Friday, September 6, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church followed by a private entombment at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
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23 Condolence(s)
Benjamin Kamplain
Saturday, October 19, 2024
I remember the 1st time I ever met Karen. It was absolutely pouring rain and I must have stood in my door of my FedEx truck for 10 minutes thinking “NOPE, not today! Whoever this lady is if she wants these shoes she’s gonna come and get em” She came out and smiled and cracked some smart *** comment and it made me laugh and I knew yep she’s my people! Her drive way has a slope and I slipped and slid my butt all the way to her door step! We must have laughed for 10 minutes. She had the best since of humor and always a hug for me! I can’t believe she’s gone. Rest well Karen and I’ll see you when on the other side!
Linda Sinkey Harrod
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Caitlin and family, I only learned of Karen’s passing yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss. Not only did Karen work with me at IBM Corp. but we have remained friends all these many years since we both left there and she was one of the most lovely, gracious person anyone could ever know. I’m praying for all of you as you navigate life without her.
Chad Carlson
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Caitlin, my heartfelt condolences. Your mom (and dad) were always such wonderful encouragers to me. I’m so thankful for your precious family. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead. Love, Chad
Scott Hastings
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Karen’s parents and my parents were friends when they moved to Old Forge Dr. I grew up with Karen and her two brothers. When I went to work in the summers at Worthen Bank, Karen’s mom always made a point to make sure I was doing ok. Mr. Brooks was/is always so nice and a truly good man. Karen and I went to high school at Parkview together. Having used the Friday Firm in corporate life I knew Jimmy and was shocked when he passed. Karen and I visited at Walmart back in the spring of 2023 and we caught up on old times and talked about Jimmy a lot. She talked about her daughter and potentially moving to NWA at some point. She looked healthy, resolved and proud of her family. When I read the obit last week a part of me died. Her whole family was a part of my family’s life for years. Having lived in LR all my life I am constantly amazed about not seeing the people I grew up more often. I thank God I saw her one more time and find comfort she is back with her bothers, mom and Jimmy. God bless her Father, Daughter, grandkids and whole family. Karen and Jimmy were very special.
Bob Fotioo
Monday, September 2, 2024
Rest in Peace
Mary Coleman
Monday, September 2, 2024
Carl, Don and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. News of Karen's passing was a huge shock. We have such fond memories of working with her at IBM. Karen had a warm personality and gentle spirit. She was loved by all. Peace be with you.
Emily Tarr
Sunday, September 1, 2024
So sad to know that she has left this world. Sympathy to Caitlin & family. Prayers for you all .
Vickie Smith
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Oh, no! I’m so sad. I saw Karen last December. She was looking radiantly beautiful and happy…
God be with you and your family, Karen…
Ann Rogers
Sunday, September 1, 2024
I’m so very said to be reading this. Karen was one of the kindest people ever and adored her family so. She will be missed so much, but I have peace knowing she’s with her soulmate.
Scott Lamb
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Rest in peace Karen.
Gary and Karen Arnold
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Gary and I had only known Karen for a few short months. Reading the beautiful tributes about her enduring love for her family and her Lord, we see that the blessing of knowing her was truly a joyful gift to us.
Love, Gary and Karen Arnold
Larry and Cheryl Simmons
Saturday, August 31, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Your extended family is in our prayers.
John George
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Such a beautiful friend for almost 50 years….loving wife, mother and grandmother to her family and strengthened through the trials of this world by her faith. All who were friends with her are blessed with beautiful memories to carry with us til we meet again!
Martha Croft
Friday, August 30, 2024
She will be missed. She was a truly beautiful person in both body and soul
Mark and Shelly May
Friday, August 30, 2024
Shelly and I are deeply saddened to hear this. I went to school with her from elementary to high school. And Shelly went to high school with her and was her freshman roommate at the U of A. Our prayers and condolences to the family.
John & Cindy
Friday, August 30, 2024
We will miss you, sweet neighbor, as we do Jim...
Susie Burrow
Friday, August 30, 2024
Caitlin so sorry for your loss. Karen was alway such a precious person. Your parents loved you dearly.
Michelle Adcock Place
Friday, August 30, 2024
I'm heart broken to learn that Karen has passed away. We were cheerleaders together at Parkview and were in many of the same classes throughout high school. Karen worked most Saturday mornings at McDonald's. I never understood how she could get up so early on Saturdays after games on Friday night and wait on customers with a cheerful disposition.
I am remembering her smile and her kind spirit. May sweet memories sustain you throughout these difficult days.
Michelle
Contessa Williams
Friday, August 30, 2024
It was an honor to take care of Mrs. Simpson. In the short time I was there , I know she was a kind and loving person. She was definitely loved. May God bless you all with strength as you endure the loss of Mrs. Simpson. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy.
Concierge RN Services
Ramonda Johnson
Friday, August 30, 2024
It was an honor taking care of Ms. Karen. I could tell from the family that she was a very loving person.
Concierge RN Services
Taletha Robinson
Friday, August 30, 2024
To Karen's family -- Caitlin, Andrew, and Matt, and friends -- Thank you for the privilege of walking a short part of this journey with you! I will treasure the impressions of what a loving family looks like and how they flow through the valleys ... together. As you navigate the loss may our Father's arms be your powerful and glorious support! Deut. 33:27 -- "The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you."
Janet Williams
Thursday, August 29, 2024
So grateful for Karen’s legacy of kindness, joy, integrity, and love for family and friends. A life well-lived!
Beth and Mike Coulson
Thursday, August 29, 2024
We are so very, very sorry . Karen was such a light in everyone's world, especially Ellie and Charley's. I know they'll have precious memories of her (and Jim). She was such a wonderful Christian example to all of us through her illness.. always smiling and positive. We'll miss seeing her at Burges!