Shirley Maurine Simpson

Shirley Simpson passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 8, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 91. Born Shirley Maurine Barbour in Oklahoma City, OK, on July 23, 1933, she was the first child of Maurine Garrison and Leland Joseph Barbour. Her beloved sister, Bonnie, arrived 18 months later. Shirley and Bonnie were lifelong friends and traveled together to such destinations as the Greek Islands, Rome, and St. Petersburg. Bonnie pre-deceased Shirley in 2011 at the age of 77.

Shirley’s acting career began at Tulsa Central High School under the tutelage of Isabelle Ronan. At 16, Shirley hosted her first radio show at KVOO, the NBC affiliate in Tulsa. While attending the University of Tulsa, she entered the Miss Tulsa Pageant hoping to win a scholarship. She was not only crowned Miss Tulsa, but went on to win Miss Oklahoma, and was selected Miss Congeniality in the 1952 Miss American Pageant in Atlantic City. She was also a member of Chi Omega sorority.

Shirley married Charles “Chuck” Simpson in 1953 and they enjoyed almost 65 years of marriage before he died in 2018. Chuck and Shirley moved wherever his career led them including Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, New York, California, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Mississippi before retiring in Miramar Beach, Florida.

Shirley’s acting career gave way to the role of wife and mother. When her youngest child entered middle school, Shirley returned to the stage appearing in numerous roles at The Summit Playhouse in New Jersey.

No matter where Chuck and Shirley called home, she was always involved with her church. Whether as an elder, a workshop leader, or a guest speaker in the pulpit. 

When Chuck’s business took them to Baton Rouge, Shirley performed at the Baton Rouge Little Theater. And when they relocated to Jackson, MS, she continued to work at the New Stage Theatre. Some of her favorite roles included Queen Eleanor in The Lion in Winter, Shirley in Shirley Valentine, and Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy.

Later in her career, Shirley developed a series of one-woman shows called “Women of Influence” and performed them to raise funds for non-profit organizations. Her first character was Katharine Hepburn and it was so well received, she wrote shows inspired by Erma Bombeck, then Sarah Cannon/Minnie Pearl, Gracie Allen, and finally Mary Tyler Moore. 

Shirley is survived by her four daughters: C. Taylor Simpson of Coral Gables, FL, spouse Robin Wood; Cathryn Sowers of Portland, OR, spouse Michael Sowers; Christine Simpson of Bella Vista, AR, spouse Darrell Glisson; and Caren McVicker of Dorset, VT, spouse Joseph McVicker, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Grand Boulevard, San Destin, FL on Thursday, February 13 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Path of Grace—Recovery Through Faith, and the Emerald Coast Theatre Company both located in Miramar Beach, FL.