AVANELLE SIMPSON

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Avanelle R. Simpson, 89, of Ironton, died Saturday, July 4, 2009, at a local health care center. The Lawrence County, Ohio native was born June 29, 1920, the daughter of the late George and Ida Mays Hankins. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Claude Simpson.
Mrs. Simpson attended Hecla Schools, was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, Steve Simpson; a brother, Ralph Hankins; and two sisters, Mildred Stapleton and Dorothy Hardy.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond and Connie Simpson of Benton, Ark., and Jerry and Cathy Simpson of Ironton; two brothers, George “Bub” Hankins of Marion and Carl “Gene” Hankins of Hecla; two sisters, Shirley Brown of Deering and Marjorie Blair of Columbus; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday at Phillips Funeral Home, with Rev. Glen Carmon officiating. Burial will follow in Sugar Creek Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday after 2 p.m. at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.