The FBBC Golden Spotlight for August 2017 is focused on Sister Florence P. Simpson. I almost had to take a trip to catch up with this honoree; nevertheless, I was able to slow her down long enough to ask her some questions and share her responses with the FBBC Family.
Q: When and where were you born?
A: I was born on February 14, 1949 in Daphne, Alabama.
Q: What is your spouse’s name?
A: My spouse’s name is James Edward Simpson.
Q: How long have you been married?
A: I have been married for 41 years.
Q: Do you have children? If yes, how many and their names.
A: I have two children, Ron-Nikka Delores Simpson and Jamar Edward Simpson. In addition to two blended children, William and Tony Simpson.
Q: What are your hobbies/ interests?
A: I love volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, going to Classic / Antique car shows (own a 1946 Ford Deluxe car), spending time with family and friends, decorating, traveling and fashion.
Q: What can you tell us about your career and activities you are involved in at The Ship?
A: Before opening up my own boutique (Florence’s Boutique) as an entrepreneur for 18 years and retiring in 2015, I worked in the corporate world for 29 years. I was employed as an Administrative Coordinator at Northrop Electronics Division in Los Angeles for 18 years, and as a Training Center Coordinator at Oglethorpe Power in Smarr, Georgia for 11 years.
A: My involvement at Fellowship includes serving on the Mercy Showing Team and the Evangelism Team. I attend a Christian Enrichment Class, and taught the teenagers during Vacation Bible School.
Q: How has your career molded you as a person?
A: From success, you get lots of things, but not the fulfillment that love brings you. You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the things you think you cannot do. Have patience, forgiveness, trust, understanding, and always have a desire to encourage and help others.
Q: What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
A: I have learned that nice people get what they want more often than nasty people. I avoid relationships that won’t let me be myself. Trust in Jehovah Nissi, The Lord Our Banner.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: As a person who was saved and loved the Lord, family, friends and others. Always willing to help and encourage others and win souls for the Lord. As a person who led a vibrant life. Remembered by my spirit, life style and vivacious personality. I want them to say “I am better for having known and been loved by Florence.”
Q: What is your message (words of wisdom) to generations X, Y, and Z?
A: You are everything that is, your thoughts, your life, your dreams come true. You are everything you choose to be. You are unlimited as the endless Universe. Respond to evil with good, meaning when they go low you go high. Whatever life challenges you may face, remember always to look to the mountaintop, for in so doing you look to greatness. Remember this, let no problem, no matter how great it may seem, discourage you, nor let anything less than the moun- taintop distract you. This is the thought I want to leave with you.
Q: What is your “Special” Scripture?
A: Isaiah 42:10, “Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my right- eous right hand.”
Writer: Elder Isaiah Whittaker Sr.