Doris Simpson

Doris Ilene Simpson, 73, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha, Nebraska.

She was born July 16, 1943, to Alonzo and Ruby (Simpson) Sams in Marion County, Iowa. Doris was raised in the Knoxville, Iowa, area. She married Lowell "Pete" Phipps and three sons were born, Neal, Brian and Russell. The family lived in DeKalb, Illinois, until Pete passed away. Doris and her sons then moved to Atlantic, Iowa, to be near her mother and stepfather. While living in Atlantic, Doris met and was later married to Michael Simpson on December 4, 1981. The wedding was held at the United Pentecostal Church in Atlantic and officiated by her stepfather, Rev. Bobbie Seibert.

Doris was a homemaker most of her life, however, she did work as the desk clerk at the Hawkeye Motel in Atlantic for over 15 years, which she enjoyed. She also was an active member of the River of Life Church until it closed. Doris was a great woman of faith and a prayer warrior. She was well known for her peanut brittle and brownies. Doris was very fond of her cat "Gabbie", yet her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alonzo Sams, Sr.; her mother and stepfather, Ruby (Rev. Bobbie) Seibert; and her sister, Wilma Jean Sams.

Doris is survived by her husband, Michael "Pork Chop" Simpson; her sons, Neal Phipps, Brian Phipps and Russell Phipps; her grandchildren, Jessie and Kylie Phipps; her siblings, Alonzo (Nancy) Sams, Jr., Charlotte (Carroll) Worthington, Robert Sams, Ronnie (Nancy) Sams, Jim (Melanie) Sams, Norma (Timothy) Butcher, Jack (Donna) Sams and Denise Seibert; siblings-in-law, Kelly (Connie) Simpson, Shawn Simpson and Kathy (Mike) Wendt; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Per Doris' wishes, please designate memorials to the family so they can be sent to the places Doris requested.

Visitation with family will be from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., with the funeral starting at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, April 7, 2017, at Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa.

Burial will be in the Gosport Cemetery, south of Knoxville, Iowa, after the luncheon.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements.