Anna Bell Simpson

Anna Bell Simpson,65, lived in Merryville, Louisiana for the last 35 years.  She passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital after a lengthy and valiant battle with lung disease.

She was born on September 20, 1950 in Fort Knox, Kentucky to Earl Babin, Sr. and Violet Palmer Babin, now both deceased. Anna’s father, Earl, was in the Army and when his military service was completed the couple moved to Merryville with their ten children.

Anna, had 3 brothers and 6 sisters:  Louise Babin Baughn (Deceased), formerly of Jasper, AL; Earl Babin Jr., of Newton, TX; Linda Babin Phelps (Deceased), formerly of Merryville, LA; Betty Jean Babin O'Quain, of Merryville, LA; Betty Jane Babin Crain, of Livingston, TX; Margie Babin Nissen, of San Antonio, TX; William Earl Babin, of Pass Christian, MS; Richard Wayne Babin, of Columbus, OH and Sally Babin Walton, of Englewood, CO.

After Anna’s father passed away her mother, Violet, moved the family to Lake Charles, where Anna graduated from Lake Charles High School. After graduation she moved to Houston, Texas. While living in Houston, Anna married Melvin Simpson, now deceased. Together they had two children, Shawna Simpson Hudson of Merryville, LA and Erick Simpson, also deceased, formerly of Merryville, LA.

Anna was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Karly Simpson, Kalon Simpson, K'Lee Hudson, Erica Simpson & Steven Simpson.

Anna shared 15 happy years with her husband, James Linaweaver. James's family became additional family to Anna. His mother, Eloise Linaweaver, now deceased, and his Aunt Linda Newsom became dear friends and a comfort to her during her illness. In addition, James's brothers and sister welcomed Anna into the Linaweaver extended family.

Anna spent almost 30 years in the school system working in various lunch rooms in Beauregard Parish schools. At the time of her retirement, in 2015, she was manager of the Singer High School Cafeteria.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home, Inc. in DeRidder, LA from 4:00PM – 8:00PM. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 7, 2016, also at the funeral home. Pastor Jason Fortenberry will officiate. Burial will follow at Cooper Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.