My earliest memories of my grandmother are filled with love and warmth.  I always knew that “grandma” meant love.  Over the last two years I have come to know that “Dessie” means love to more people than I could have ever imagined. 

Dessie Simpson Furr: October 23, 1913 – April 2, 2006.  She is survived by her brother Carey Simpson; her grandchildren, John Furr (wife Kelly) and Julie Furr Wilson (husband John); her great-grandchildren, Steffan, Maya, Gabriel, and Ian; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and “greats.”  All of whom loved her with all of their hearts and who were equally loved by Dessie. 

 Dessie Terelle Simpson was born in Downsville, Louisiana on October 23, 1913.  She was born to Alfred Thomas and Julia Melissa Simpson.  She was one of 13 children in this order: Thomas, Dennis, Arnold, Clayton, John, Virgie, Herbert, Marie, Dessie, Lavelle, Carey, Ellery, & Alfred (Modell).  To hear her speak of her childhood, the Simpson home was full of hard work, commitment to family and the community, laughter, love and friendship.  Family was second only to God.  This laid the foundation for the wonderful and amazing woman she was throughout her life.   

Dessie married Lewis Joab Furr Senior and they had one son, Lewis Joab Furr, Jr.  Dessie wanted many children, but was only able to have Lewis.  She loved him with all of her heart and made him the center of her world.  Lewis, Jr. married Kathryn Brougham, to whom Dessie referred as “My girl.”  Lewis and Kathy gave Dessie two more children to love: John & Julie.  She loved each and every one of her nieces and nephews as if they were her own and continued that tradition with every great niece and nephew.  In her last two years of life, Dessie was thrilled to be able to enjoy her great-grand children, Steffan, Maya, Gabriel and Ian.  Throughout her life God gave her the gift of many children indirectly – and she was so grateful. 

She faced many challenges in her life.  She worked hard and proved herself to be a survivor.  Her faith in God gave her a courage that many people never find.  She faced each challenge with an unbreakable spirit that only made her faith stronger.  Those of us who were blessed to know her hope that we can exhibit even a fraction of her courage and strength.   

Everywhere that Dessie went she made friends.  She brought joy into the lives of every person she met and there was no limit to what people would do for her if necessary.  God made sure she was surrounded by living angels to help her through the tough times because Dessie never hesitated to give of herself when called upon.   

It is difficult for me to keep referring to her as Dessie.  She is, to me, Grandma.  I loved her differently as a child than I do today.  As a child, she was the best Grandma in the world.  She was fun, outgoing, loving, a wonderful cook, and she provided me with such amazing childhood memories.  As an adult I learned to love her as a best friend.  She had such an unimposing wisdom about her.  She never pushed or pried.  She shared in my joy and my sorrow, my fears and my accomplishments.  She taught me how to take things in stride.  When I told her that I was frightened of the world into which I brought my son because of the current conflict in the Middle East, she told me not to let it consume me.  She said, “There will always be something to worry about.  I felt the same way when I was a young mother.  But you learn that life goes on and things are usually okay.”  When I was worried about my wonderful boy chewing all of my furniture (including the kitchen table of Grandma’s at which most of us have eaten and shared some laughs and outstanding meals with her), she told me, “Don’t let that upset you.  Those are just memory marks!”  When I would worry about her comfort and care as she declined in health she would tell me, “This is just something I have to go through.  That’s what I get for living so long!”   She taught me by example that your happiness is your own to find. 

She carried her joy with her, even into the least joyful of places.  Even while sick in the hospital or rehab, she made a point to be kind and gracious to each person to which she entrusted her care.  She never complained and always made an effort to love those people who worked so hard to care for her.  Each time she would return to the hospital I was always amazed at how many nurses, doctors and custodial staff members would seek her out to say, “Hello Dessie!  I am so glad you are back!”  Nurses argued over who got to have her as their patient.  I have lost count of how many times I have heard, “Your grandmother is such a sweet person and such a joy to care for!” 

Since her passing I have really been touched by all of the people who are significantly affected by the loss of this wonderful soul.  She was such a gift to this world and she will truly be missed.  May we all find a little bit of Dessie in each of us.  I am proud to say that she was my grandmother and I am blessed to have had the privilege of caring for her over the last few years.  I know she will carry on in our hearts and our cherished memories.   

Julie Wilson