Eula Merle Simpson, of Germantown, Tennessee, entered the presence of her Heavenly Father on July 15, 2026, at the age of 101.

She was born on January 1, 1925, in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, to Charles Harris Wiman and Maud Merle Walker Wiman.

Eula spent the early years of her life in Peru where her father was a missionary. During the family's adventurous journey to Peru, God sustained Eula's life after she contracted malaria while traveling through the Panama Canal, and she later helped save the life of her younger brother. At 13 years old, she traveled alone from Peru to Miami by ship and then by train to live with family in Roscoe, Texas, where she continued her education.

Eula graduated as valedictorian of the Bethany High School Class of 1943 in Bethany, Oklahoma. That same year, she married the love of her life, Ray Leon Simpson. She earned her bachelor's degree from Bethany-Peniel College in 1947 and later completed a master's degree in Home Economics at the University of Arkansas.

Eula and Ray made their lifelong home in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where Ray served on the faculty of Arkansas State University and Eula devoted herself to raising their family. She was deeply involved in her community, forming lifelong friendships through her bridge clubs, the Arkansas State University Faculty Wives Club, and First Baptist Church. She especially loved the church's mission program and had a passion for supporting foreign missions.

In her later years, Eula discovered an unexpected gift and joy, singing solos. She delighted residents and staff at The Village in Jonesboro and later at The Gardens of Germantown. Even after words became more difficult for her, she continued to communicate through her warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine interest in others. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel valued, from caregivers, nurses, and staff to fellow residents and friends.

Eula was known and loved as a child of God, a devoted wife, Mother, Granna, Gigi, and "Miss Eula" to her caregivers. Nothing brought her greater joy than loving and serving her family. One of her caregivers described her best: "God did His big one with you, my friend! Your big smile, huge personality, and loving spirit. Your smile brightens every room you enter."

Eula's faith in God sustained her throughout 101 years of joys, trials, adventures, and faithful service. That same amazing grace has now welcomed her into His eternal presence.

Eula is survived by her two daughters, Frances Harriman of Collierville, Tennessee, and Anne Hosse of Collierville, Tennessee; her brother, Charles Wiman of Grand Junction, Colorado; five grandchildren, Brent Harriman of Knoxville, Tennessee, Brad Harriman of Memphis, Tennessee, Stacey Harper of El Dorado, Arkansas, Angie Carrier of Memphis, Tennessee, and Trey Carrier of Denver, Colorado; and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Ray Leon Simpson; her parents, Charles Harris Wiman and Maud Merle Walker Wiman; her brother, Cecil Wiman; and her sister, Margaret Glenn Dawson.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Covenant Baptist Church, 3170 S. Houston Levee Road, Collierville, Tennessee.

There will be a visitation held in Jonesboro from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Emerson Funeral Home with burial following at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery at 12 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the International Mission Board or the Missions Ministry of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas.