Leellyn (Watson) Simpson

Leellyn Watson Simpson went to be with Jesus on March 5, 2024, a couple of weeks shy of her 88th birthday. A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 11, 2024 at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church (“CABC”) in Waco, Texas. Visitation with the family will begin an hour prior at 10:00 a.m. at CABC.

Leellyn was born to Dale and Lee Ellen Watson on March 29, 1936, in Raymondville, Texas. She grew up in Lasara, Texas where her family ran the town's general store and gas station, the hub of the small farming community in South Texas. She graduated from Raymondville High School in 1954 alongside her beloved twin sister, Llewellyn. She attended TWU and later graduated from Baylor University while married and raising two children.

Leellyn wed her lifelong sweetheart, Leonard Ray Simpson, Sr., on April 21, 1956, at Raymondville's First Baptist Church and started their life in Harlingen, Texas where he built homes and commercial properties with his twin brother, Howard. Their first child, Leonard Ray, Jr., was born in Harlingen in 1958, and their daughter, Lisa Gay, was born 22 months later in 1960. When Lisa was six months old, they moved to Robinson outside Waco. Leellyn and Leonard raised their family and lived in the same house for 51 years in the Fain Estates Neighborhood. Leellyn started her teaching career as an elementary teacher at Mountain View Elementary and later taught 5th grade at Provident Heights Elementary in Waco ISD. She was a much-beloved teacher, touching many of her students' lives. Leellyn quit teaching to help her husband in his business, Leonard's Truck Parts and Equipment.

Leellyn and Leonard were very active in their church, Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, and joined in 1961. They enjoyed participating in CABC's mission trips and traveling abroad with CABC friends. Leellyn served as a Deacon's wife, Children's Sunday school teacher, and served in leadership roles in the Gideon Women's Auxiliary. Leellyn and Leonard were married for over 60 years and loved being together. They loved traveling, with Western Canada being Leellyn and Leonard's favorite spot.

Leellyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leonard, Sr., and her twin sister, Llewellyn Cooper. She is survived by her younger brother, Harland Watson, and his wife, Cissie of Raymondville; her son, Leonard Simpson, Jr., his wife, Claire, and granddaughter, Morgan, all of Dallas; and her daughter, Lisa Simpson, also of Dallas. Leellyn has many beloved nieces and nephews and family members she cherished.

Her family and friends remember her as a kind, loving, and generous person. Leellyn loved memorizing scripture and always knew just what verses to share with others.  Jesus Christ was her Savior, and Leellyn loved witnessing and inviting others to church.  We know she is in the arms of Jesus, reunited with family, and pain-free.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your church home, favorite charity, or Gideons International.

A livestream of the service can be found at CABC Livestream