Pauline Scruggs Simpson

Eva Pauline Scruggs Simpson, 88, of Shipman passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024 in Lynchburg.

She was born at home on September 1, 1936 and grew up in the small mountain town of Arrington; she was a daughter of the late Aylette Scruggs and Lena Stinson Scruggs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Carlton Simpson.

Pauline attended the Phoenix (Norwood) Elementary Schools. She then attended the Lovingston High School, where she was a member of the Beta Club. She graduated in 1954. After graduation, she went to Richmond, VA to work for the Division of Motor Vehicles. Later, she worked in the office of the Craddock Terry Shoe Factory in Lynchburg. 

Pauline married James Carlton Simpson on February 24, 1955 in Lynchburg. After her daughter was born, Pauline worked for Dr. Kilmartin at Kilmartin’s Pharmacy. In 1967, she worked at the Lovingston Elementary School as the office manager/secretary. Later, she worked at the Nelson County School Board Offices until she retired at age 62. 

Pauline volunteered at the Nelson County Rescue Squad for at least ten years. She was also a valued member of the Nelson County Day Association. 

She was co-author of the book, “Nelson County Virginia Heritage 1807-2000.” Pauline was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Grand Matron for several years. She received the 55-year membership pin.

 As a member of the Shipman Baptist Church, she served as Treasurer for many years and worked to establish the Shipman Community Center. 

For many years, Pauline took care of elderly people in the community, providing personal care, cooking, feeding, helping with medication, and providing transportation to doctor appointments in Lynchburg and Charlottesville. She even helped by picking vegetables from people’s gardens. 

Her hobbies included quilting, cooking, arts and crafts, gardening, and most of all community service to help others. After her husband passed away, she became a hostess on bus tours for the Abbott Company. She was a very valued member of the Abbott team. Some of the passengers would only go on trips that Pauline was hosting. She worked for Abbott from 2003 through 2016 and was sometimes on the road for a total of about 100 days a year. When not traveling, she continued to help the elderly and infirm people. 

She did whatever she could to make their lives better. Her advice on life was “treat everybody like you would want to be treated.”

She is survived by her daughter, Deloris D. Simpson and her husband, David Owens of Key West, FL as well as several nieces, nephews and community of loving friends.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at St. Stephen’s Baptist Church 2903 Tye River Road, Amherst with Pastor Mickey Ryan, Pastor John Campbell, and Rev. Dr. Michael Fitzgerald officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the service.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).