Gladys B. Simpson

Gladys B. Simpson, nee Breashears, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the golden age of 84. Beloved Wife for a loving 61 years to O.D. Simpson. Devoted Mother of Fredrick Simpson, Nicole (the late Derek H. Brice) Simpson, Marvin (Sabine Champagne) Simpson, the late Michael (the late Monine Santiago) Breashears and the late Malcolm (Simone Vaughn) Simpson. Loving Daughter of the late Enoch & the late Maggie Breashars. Fond Grandmother of Michael Breashears, Antonio Breashears, Latasha Simpson, Yasmine Simpson, Christopher Simpson, Kayla Simpson, Yoshua Simpson, and the late Caleb Simpson. Dear Sister of Josephus (Marie), Jessie (Charles) Rucker, the late Albert and the late James (Vernal) Breashars. Dear Aunt of many Nieces & Nephews.

Gladys Breashears Simpson was committed to living a life of service. She began her service as the Director of Employment and Training at Tri-Faith Employment. She thrived in this role, recruiting and training members of the westside community and placing them in viable employment. In 1978, she continued her life of service by founding the Academy of Scholastic Achievement (ASA). This is a small institution on the Westside of Chicago, dedicated to serving at-risk/off-track youth for the completion of high school. Mrs. Simpson was also a founding partner and manager of Community Services West, the administrative and resource development arm of two African-American, community-based social service agencies. She served in both capacities until her death.

Family and Friends are to gather for the Memorial Visitation on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Russo’s Hillside Chapels, 4500 Roosevelt Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162 (Located between Mannheim & Wolf Road). A Celebration of Life Service to be celebrated promptly at 11:00 a.m. For additional information please call (708) 449-5300. Please omit flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Academy of Scholastic Achievement will be greatly appreciated. http://asaschool.org

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