Anne Lorraine "Lorraine" Simpson

Anne Lorraine Simpson, lovingly known as Lorraine and "Nanny," passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Chateau Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She was born on August 15, 1940, in Moro, Arkansas, to the late Raymond and Edith Guthrie.

Lorraine was raised in a family devoted to education. Her parents were lifelong educators, and throughout her childhood, the family moved frequently as her father served as a superintendent for several schools. These experiences instilled in her adaptability, resilience, and a deep appreciation for learning that would shape the course of her life.

She graduated from Rolla High School in Rolla, Missouri, where she was involved in many activities. Lorraine played basketball, was a saxophone player in the school band, and served as a cheerleader. It was during a basketball game-while cheering a little too close to the court and being accidentally ran over by an official-that she first met Bob Simpson. That unforgettable moment marked the beginning of a beautiful love story. Lorraine and Bob were married on September 14, 1958, in Newburg, Missouri and shared 65 devoted years together until Bob's passing on September 6, 2024.

As Bob began his career as a civil engineer with the Missouri Highway Department, their early married years included moves to Cape Girardeau, Charleston, and Dexter before they settled in Miner, Missouri, where they built their home and raised their family.

Lorraine earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. She devoted 24 years to teaching Home Economics at Sikeston Junior High School, where she also served as the FHA sponsor. Lorraine's classroom was a place where students learned not only practical skills, but also creativity, confidence, and care for others. She left a lasting impact on generations of students.

Lorraine's spirit of leadership and service began early. As a youth, she was active in the Girl Scouts of America and served as a camp counselor at Camp Latonka. As an adult, she continued her commitment to mentoring young girls by serving as a Girl Scout leader, sharing her love of learning, leadership, and the outdoors with the next generation.

A woman of deep faith, Lorraine was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Sikeston for over 60 years. She served her church family with dedication and grace, including as an Elder and later as a Deacon Emerita. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her service, compassion, and unwavering love for others.

Above all, Lorraine loved her family, she was the mother of three children, and she waited until they were in school before pursuing her full-time teaching career. She treasured time spent at Kentucky Lake, especially water skiing and simply being together with her family. She loved to fish and especially enjoyed running trotlines with her father-in-law, Denzil, at Kentucky Lake-memories that became cherished family traditions. Whether on the water or around the table, Lorraine found joy in sharing those moments with the people she loved most. She expressed her creativity through sewing, lace tatting, quilting, drawing, and cooking. An avid collector of antique sewing machines and beautiful fabrics, Lorraine found joy in preserving the art of sewing and sharing her talents with those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Simpson; her parents, Raymond, and Edith Guthrie; her in-laws, Denzil and Rose Simpson; an infant daughter, Kathleen; her brothers, Raymond and Doug; and her sisters, Sylvia and Inez.

Lorraine is survived by her three children: Edie Erkert (John) of Sewickley, Pennsylvania; Chuck Simpson (Ann) of West Paducah, Kentucky; and Bobbi King (Brent) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Emily Erkert of Falls Church, Virginia; Anissa Sandala (John) of Flagstaff, Arizona; Griffin King (Breah) of Middlebrook, Missouri; and Katie Simpson Williams (Mason) of West Paducah, Kentucky; one great-grandson, Roy Charles Rennie-King; and one great-granddaughter due in August. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Whitson, of Phoenix, Arizona.

Lorraine's life was marked by faith, devotion, creativity, leadership, and steadfast love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, from 4:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Interment will be May 8 at 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Moberly, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.