Carol Jean Simpson

Carol Jean Simpson, 71, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Galesburg, Illinois on February 13, 2017. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert; a son, Brad, and his girlfriend, Lat Alansorn; and a cousin, Sandra Bailey, of Smithtown, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruby Bailey, and sister, Jo Ann Bailey. Carol was born November 7, 1945 at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, but was a citizen of the world. Per her wishes, rights of cremation will be accorded by Hinchliff-Pearson-West, and there will not be a visitation or funeral. A celebration of a life lived well will be held on Sunday afternoon, March 12, 2017 at Vintages Tasting Room in Galesburg. If you wish to attend, or have memories to share, please email carolsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com.

A graduate of Galesburg High School, Carol held a Master’s in Education from Western Illinois University and was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. Beginning in 1971, she taught first grade at Cooke School followed by Silas Willard in 1975, and Gale in 1982, before retiring from Steele School in 2004. She loved to write books with her students and encouraged their creativity and love of reading and writing. She was a Title One reading teacher, who advocated for early childhood education and whole language, was a presenter at Pathways to Literacy in the U.S. and Australia, and was a past president of the Western Illinois Reading Council. She served on the Knox County Board. After retiring from Galesburg Community Unit School District #205, she was the full-time Vice President of Simpson LTD. Carol warmly greeted customers on the phone, handled bookkeeping, attended militaria shows around the world, and operated as the resident travel agent and shop Mom. As a writer and editor, she authored four educational trade books for teachers, was published in Fodor’s travel guides, contributed to all three editions of the Blue Book of Pool Cues by Brad Simpson, and edited books published by Simpson Publishing. She wrote travel articles and reviews for several travel websites.

Her true passion was travel and she was an active member of a Fodor’s travel group, having taken home their prestigious Golden Camel Award. Her sense of adventure was limitless and her friends and family enjoyed seeing the world through her beautiful photography. A generous spirit, she shared her passion with others and loved to travel with groups of friends and family. Her warmth, humor, and enthusiasm will be remembered by friends around the globe. She traveled extensively on five continents and her favorite places included Thailand, Hawaii, and Switzerland. She enjoyed shopping, reading, touring, and international cuisine topped off with grappa.

She was a force for positive change, kindness, education, and generosity, and would want her family, friends, and community to pay it forward. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please make contributions to the Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women’s Shelter, P.O. Box 591, Galesburg, IL 61401.