Cindy Simpson. Cindy died on February 19, 2025.
Her obituary: Cinda Cindy Dell Birchell
Cindy, as she always preferred to be called and whose age will continue to be a mystery, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025. She was born in Columbus, OH to the late Jack Simpson and Mary O'Day. Her mother remarried the late Jim O'Day, whom Cindy very much also considered her father. Cindy has 5 siblings, of which she was the third born – Vonnie Niesz (Bill), Cherie Henson (Mike), Gus O'Day (Debbie), Tony O'Day (Debbie), and Nick O'Day (Velvet). Cindy was the baby girl and was cared for as such by her loving sisters. Although she was her brothers' older sister, she was always the brunt of their pranks and nonsense. Cindy moved to Marietta, GA with her biological father in the sixth grade. It was there that she met her husband of 56 years, Bob, while attending Sprayberry High School. Following their marriage, Bob enlisted in the Navy, and they traveled all over the United States and Europe. Their sense of adventure even took them on a two-year stint in Cape Town, South Africa. Eventually though, they decided to return to the Southeast and settle in Chattanooga, TN. Cindy obtained her Associate's Degree from Chattanooga State Community College and was licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Cindy had always wanted to be a mother, and a short while after returning to Chattanooga, her prayers were answered. Her daughter, Brooke Erin, was born, and her life's purpose was forever changed. Cindy's love for her daughter was unwavering, selfless, and fierce. She found no greater joy than being a mother, until her grandchild, Oliver, was born. Oliver was the light of her life. She was absolutely radiant any time he was around and was the most devoted and playful Grammy that Oliver could have ever been blessed with. Anyone who crossed paths with Cindy knew that she was a generous, compassionate, and strong woman who always put the needs of others above her own. She loved her church Calvary Baptist Church, and most recently, Piney Grove Baptist Church. She loved to talk to people about Jesus, served so many people across the world on mission trips, and adored working with youth members. She was a dedicated PTA instructor at Chattanooga State for 30 years. Her students will tell you how tough she was, but in the same breath, about her unending support and encouragement to grow as both clinicians and as individuals. She was a loyal and dependable friend to many, and she never met a stranger. She impacted the lives of thousands. Cindy was always getting into shenanigans and making people laugh. She was an absolute warrior through her 7-year journey with Glioblastoma. We are thankful for the time she was put on this earth and for the influence she had on so many. Her physical absence will most certainly be felt, but her spirit will continue to live on in all the lives she touched. While Cindy loved flowers, she loved her grandson and higher education even more. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a memorial contribution to Oliver's 529 college fund at ugift529.com, using the code Y4Y-P56. Please join us on Saturday, March 1, 2025, for a Celebration of Life at 1 PM EST and visitation with the family from 2-4 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 864 Piney Road, Trenton, GA 30752. Arrangements are by the Cremation Center of Chattanooga, 1345 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421, (423) 362-5999.
[Chattanooga Time Free Press (Tenn.), February 25, 2025]
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