Mary Elizabeth Simpson

Mary Elizabeth Simpson, 94, of Locust, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

Mary was born April 28, 1931, in Texas to the late Rufus Pinkney Batten and the late Jessie Lee Batten. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Loyd Lewis Simpson, Sr.; sisters, Doris Soape, Dorothy Bownds, Ruth Sokol, Jean Jones, Hazel McMillion, Catherine Alter; brothers, Carlton Batten, Ron Batten; and grandson, Trevor Christian Simpson.

Mary worked for many years at Stanly Knitting Mills in Oakboro before retiring. Prior to that she worked various jobs and supported the family through frequent moves around the globe during her husband’s 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force. In retirement, she enjoyed working in the jewelry department at Belk and organizing bus trips for groups to destinations around the country. She also enjoyed working at the ticket gates on race days at Charlotte Motor Speedway. She was involved with the Red Hat Ladies group and was one of the original members of the Adventure Ladies group for widows.

Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Locust for more than 50 years. She was active in her Sunday School class and served the church in various ways over the years.

Family was very important to Mary and she cherished any time spent with her loved ones. She enjoyed traveling, shopping for bargains or just sharing meals together. She was a caring friend to many and loved staying in touch and spending time with them whenever she could.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm, Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Locust in Locust NC. The funeral service will follow at 1:30 pm, officiated by Pastor Tommy Ross and Pastor Kenny Wallace. She will be interred at Love's Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery, 4360 Polk Ford Rd., Stanfield NC.

Survivors include son, Loyd (wife, Sheila) Simpson, Jr.; daughter, Jamie Mills; granddaughters, Abby Mills, Casey (husband, Jordan) Varela; grandson, Ethan James (wife, Erisa) Simpson; great grandson, Landon Varela. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she enjoyed visits and phone conversations with.

Memorials may be made to one of the following: · Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) at www.bcrf.org · Hospice via Carolina Caring at www.carolinacaring.org/give/

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Simpson family.