Riley J. Simpson

RILEY JAMES SIMPSON, 80, departed his earthly domain on January 4, 2013 at Nothwest Hospital in Randallstown, Maryland after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 10, 1932 in Gadsden Florida to Riley and Theresa Ford Simpson. Riley grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. He graduated from Campbell Street High School in 1949. After high school he attended college at Morehouse University in Atlanta Georgia. Shortly after attending, Mr. Simpson joined the United States Air Force as a personnel specialist, where he served for four years. Riley later relocated to Baltimore, Maryland where he continued his studies at Morgan State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in History and became a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Here is where he met and married his first wife Mary Elizabeth Shepherd with whom he had two children, James Riley Simpson and Marcia A. Simpson. Riley Simpson had a passion for law and education, and worked in Washington, DC as a U.S. Deputy Marshall. He continued graduate studies at Coppin State College in Baltimore, MD with a concentration in correctional education. An advocate for youth, Mr. Simpson continued his vocation with the Department of Juvenile Services in which he was a dedicated employee for over 30 years. During his time working in juvenile justice, Riley Simpson met and married his current wife Georgia A. Simpson. They remained married and relocated to Randallstown, Maryland. To this union was born Allison Simpson. Mr. Simpson was a member of the African Episcopalian Church and sometimes attended Union Bethel AME Church, Randallstown, MD. Known for his great sense of humor and love for laughter, Riley had a zest for life and was an avid card player and fix it man. He also loved sports, dogs, was a skilled fisherman and lover of music. He was very perceptive about people and dearly loved his children and grandchildren. Mr. Simpson is survived by: his wife, Georgia; children, James Riley Simpson, Marcia Simpson and Allison Simpson; sister, Patricia Burkett Simpson; brother, Harold Simpson; grandchildren, Thomas Freeman, Ryan Gordon, James M. Simpson and Jasmine Simpson; several nephews, a grand-niece, a grand-nephew and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves devoted friends Vivian Hockaday, Allen Wilson and Verna Garmon along with several cousins, other relatives and special friends. Mr. Simpson will be greatly missed.

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Riley J. Simpson

November 10, 1932 - January 4, 2013