Marva Gray Simpson Marva Gray Simpson, 83, of Esmont, VA entered eternal rest on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Albemarle Health and Rehabilitation Center in Charlottesville, VA. She was born March 25, 1941, in Esmont, a daughter of the late Alexander and Aurelia Anderson Gray.

Marva became a faithful member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church at an early age where she served as a Deaconess for over 40 years, as well as a member of the Senior Choir, Combined Choir, Ladies Club, and the Missionary Ministry. She never forgot the sick and shut-in and stayed in touch whether by visiting or by phone. She was also a member of the Blue Mints Civic and Social Club who supported many organizations like the Santa Claus Fund and Black Negro College Fund in the Charlottesville vicinity. Marva was educated in Albemarle County Public Schools. She was employed at the National Linen Service for many years, where she also served as a Union Representative speaking on behalf of the employees. She was not afraid to speak her mind and challenge the status quo. Once they closed its operation in Charlottesville, Marva worked various temp jobs at UVA until her retirement. Though she was stern in her beliefs, she was a devoted and generous friend to many. Marva loved meeting new people, so she never met a stranger. Her mind was sharp until the very end remembering everybody’s relatives, their names, some birthdates, and how they were related. Marva was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her love for family was endless and she supported and praised them for all their accomplishments. She was a superb cook and enjoyed preparing her special dishes for church and family events. Marva enjoyed spending time with family, having fun, and making people laugh. One trait all will remember about Marva was that she was a fashionista, always wearing the most stylish shoes, clothes and even hairstyles. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Kenneth Simpson Sr.; five brothers, Alexander Jr., Howard, Albert, Willie, and Donald Gray, and three sisters, Mary Starks, Eloise Morris, and Velma Ford. She leaves to cherish memories four children, Kenneth (Margie) Simpson Jr. of Arlington, VA, Marnita (Brian) Shepherd of Charlottesville, Harvey (Lutrice) and O. Jay Simpson of Esmont; eleven grandchildren, Scott, Ashley, Demetrious, Ariana, Drew, Danny, Nick, Morgan, Christopher, Jordan, and Khaleb; three great-grand-daughters, Italyia, Zaya, and Nova; four great-grand-sons, Ariaan, Amariaan, Liu and Leo; three brothers-in-law, Steve Simpson of Lovingston, VA, Norman (Bug) Morris of Charlottesville, and Raymond Morris of Philadelphia, PA; eight sisters-in-law, Frances Watkins, Etta Gordon, and Cheryl Morris of Charlottesville, Secelia Kelly and Yvonne Clark of Philadelphia, PA, Elizabeth Gray, Louise Gray and Mary Simpson of Esmont; and many devoted nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit JF Bell Funeral Services.