Shirley Simpson, 87, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Highlandspring of Ft. Thomas. The daughter of the late Edna Berkshire {Hodges} and William Howard McCubbin, Shirley was born in Walton, KY, on July 23, 1938. A graduate of Boone County High School, Shirley went on to work for many years as a registration clerk at St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Shirley was a faithful member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where she worshiped regularly beginning in the 1970s. She found joy in the simple, meaningful things in life. She was talented with her hands and spent many hours crocheting and embroidering. Cooking for her family was one of her greatest pleasures; her chicken and dumplings, vegetable soup, and homemade yeast rolls became beloved family favorites. She also enjoyed bowling and was once a member of a bowling team. Shirley loved to travel, especially to Gatlinburg, Florida, and Lake Cumberland. One of her most cherished trips was visiting Germany, where she spent time with her son while he was stationed there.

Most of all, Shirley treasured the time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family was at the center of her life, and she took great joy in being present for them, offering love, support, and gentle wisdom.

Her memory lives on through her loving husband of over 66 years, Frank Simpson; children, Tammy (Steve) Hadsell, Kevin (Glenda) Simpson, Steve (Susan) Simpson, and Keith Simpson; brother, Bill (Beverly) McCubbin; grandchildren, Tim (Mary Ann) Smith, Amy (Angel) Simpson, Lowell (David) Greeson, Alex (Sydney) Simpson, Jared (Hannah) Simpson, Micah Simpson, and Kayla Simpson (Charles “CJ”); great-grandchildren, Tim Smith, Sadie Simpson, Daniel Simpson, Susannah Simpson, John Simpson, Lily Simpson, Gavin Bauer, Charlie Bauer, and Lucian Bauer.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruby Hawkins and Bonnie Hensley.

Services for Shirley will be held on Wednesday, January 14th at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home – Independence with visiting hours beginning at 10am up until the time of her funeral at 12pm. Shirley will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens immediately following her service. For directions, to view the life tribute video, or to share an online condolence, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.