Helen Fay Simpson

Helen C. Simpson, 92, of Glasgow, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at NHC Healthcare. Born in Rantoul, Illinois, she was a daughter of the late William Jefferson Combest and Carrie Holmes Combest.

Survivors include her children, Jeanie Simpson, of Middleton, WI, Teresa Nunn (York), Karen Potter, Dana Decker (Dewayne), and Lisa Simpson Strange, all local, and Glen Simpson; her grandchildren, who called her “Gandy”, Josh and Jarrad Garrett, Joel Robertson, Jennie Nunn Rodgers, Molly Garrett Turner, Kat Strange, Mary Helen Nunn and Ashley Tabor; her great-grandchildren, Lane, Kira and Max Garrett, Grady and Anabelle Turner, Scott Neely, Joel Michael, Kallie, Hollyn and Lochlan Robertson, and Georgie, Roman and Indie Tabor; two sisters, Bessie Willis (Billy) and Betty Logsdon (Wayne); two sisters-in-law, Mary Rose Simpson and Fina Simpson. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe Ed and Billy Combest; her sisters, Louise Rogers, Edna Young, Gladys Murrell and Mildred Thomas; the father of her children, Gene Simpson; and son-in-law, John Potter.

Helen graduated from Adair County High School and attended Lindsey Wilson College. After marrying Gene and bearing six children, she returned to higher education at Western Kentucky University, earned her degree and began working for the Glasgow Independent School System in 1967 when her youngest child began school.

She taught third grade at Liberty Street School and third and fifth grades at South Green Elementary until retiring. She then began substituting, mostly at GHS, reconnecting with former students, until her youngest grandchild graduated in 2005.

Helen was a lifelong learner, earning bachelor’s, master’s and Rank 1 degrees in education from WKU.

She became a world traveler with her friend, Ledean Hamilton, after her teaching days were over.

For nearly seven decades, she crafted award-winning quilts, including ones for Kentucky governors, Louie B. Nunn and Ernie Fletcher, Dr. Bharat Mody for Community Medical Care, The American Heart Association and others.

Helen was the last surviving charter member of Faith Evangelical United Brethren (later, Methodist, and now, Community) Church. She served faithfully in every capacity needed, raising her children to know the Lord.

Helen was Ms. Senior Kentucky 1996, a Glasgow Daily Times “Her Story“ honoree in 2010 and a member of many clubs and organizations. They included local and national education associations, Barren River Rod & Gun Club and Glasgow Business & Professional Women’s Club, where she served a term as president and was renowned for her cornbread at B&PW annual bean soup lunches. She was an excellent cook. She loved her “Ya-Ya” friends.

The possessor of two green thumbs, she could grow anything. She canned and froze vegetables from the garden. She never had idle hands, always quilting, knitting, crocheting or doing needlework. She was a talented seamstress who made her daughters’ wedding dresses along with prayer and comfort quilts for church and law enforcement to give out to those in need. Helen always expected the best from herself, her children and her students. She will be missed and remembered.

The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at A.F. Crow & Son Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Alternate expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Faith Community Church, Community Medical Care or a charity of one’s choice.