Norma Maye Simpson

Norma Maye Simpson, 86 of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully with family last Sunday night on June 5, 2022 at her daughters’ home in Cordova, TN.  She was born at home in Light, AR, on July 17, 1935 to the late Jerald and Frieda Mae Smith.

Norma grew up on her parent’s farm in the Light community. In 1951 she was honored to be Homecoming Queen. She was the point guard for the Women’s Basketball Team throughout her high-school years at Greene County Tech. They could always count on Norma (nickname Smitty) to help rack up points on the scoreboard during every game. She married the love of her life, Doyal (Sy) Simpson, and was a devoted wife for 58-and-a-half years.  They moved to Jonesboro in 1954 where she got her first job at Frolic Footwear. Norma then graduated from the Modern School of Business in Jonesboro which led her to Mercantile Bank. In 1957, Mercantile Bank opened up its first Auto Banking with Norma as the head-teller and supervisor.  During this time, Norma and Doyal (Sy) would own and operate Gravely Tractors and Crowley Ridge Machine Shop for over 40 years as well as obtained her realtor license working through Realty World. Doyal (Sy) taught Norma how to Crappie fish and became members of the National American Crappie Association. They enjoyed tournament fishing as a team.

Norma was a long-standing member of Central Baptist Church. Norma is preceded in death by her husband Doyal (Sy) Simpson She is survived by her two daughters Kimberly Garrett and husband Jim of Forrest Grove, Oregon and Holly Wright and husband Bob of Cordova, Tennessee, sisters Hilda Simpson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Glenda Morrow of Paragould, Arkansas, brother Dexter Lynn Smith of Paragould, Arkansas, grandchildren Dr. Dustin Nouri of Santa Maria, California and Dr. Shane Nourizadeh of Santa Barbara, California.

Norma has rejoined the love of her life and fishing partner and they both have “Gone-Fishing”.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 from 9-10 am at Emerson Funeral Home.

Funeral service will follow the visitation at 10 am. Burial will follow the service at Oaklawn Cemetery.