Carlie Barnes Simpson – August 22, 2016

Simpson, Carlie Obit PicCarlie Barnes Simpson, 98, of Amarillo, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2016.

A memorial gathering will be at a later date following a private graveside service.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Carlie Barnes was born July 13, 1918, in Binghamton, N.Y., to John Quincy and Marguerite Overhuls Barnes.  He parents, both Texans, returned to Amarillo in 1923.  She graduated from Amarillo High School, Amarillo College and the University of Texas in 1940, with honors, and was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha.

Mrs. Simpson was married to James A. McKnight in 1940.  In 1954, she married Hugh L. Umphres, Jr., who died in 1981.  She married E. Selden Simpson in 1986.  He died in 1999.

As a member of the Junior League of Amarillo, Mrs. Simpson served on the board of the Cerebral Palsy Treatment Center.  She was secretary of the board of the Community Chest, which preceded the United Way.  She worked for the Panoma Corporation, where she was a member of the Desk and Derrick Club.  Later, she was Executive Secretary of the Potter-Randall County Medical Society for 11 years during the early development of the Harrington Medical Center.  She was on the board during the organization of the Discovery Center.

As an accomplished pianist, she had enjoyed musical activities since her school days, particularly as a vocalist, accompanist, and one of the arrangers for the Chansonettes, a chorus of young Amarillo women.  She was a member of First Christian Church, where she had been a teacher and study leader for Group Nine; a member of the Junior League of Amarillo, the Junior Pierian Club and the Triad Book Club.  She enjoyed reading, puzzles and bridge.

Mrs. Simpson was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, her brother, John L. Barnes, who was lost in the Pacific Theatre during WW II, and her sister, Alice B. Moxey.

She is survived by four sons, John B. McKnight and wife Sue Carol of Cincinnati, Hugh McKnight of Amarillo, Phillip Umphres and wife Nancy of Dallas, Joseph L. Umphres and Katya Slive of Venice, CA, a stepson, Pat W. Simpson and wife Woodene of Austin; a stepdaughter, Reesie Petrie and husband Jesse of Midland, three granddaughters and three grandsons, four step-granddaughters and one step-grandson, and nine great-grandchildren.

The family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at The Continental, Compassion Care, Goodcare Service and BSA Hospice of the Southwest for their extraordinary care of Mrs. Simpson.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Meals on Wheels, The Amarillo College Foundation, or a charity of choice.

0 Replies to “Carlie Barnes Simpson – August 22, 2016”

  1. My deepest sympathy on Carlie’s passing…but what an extraordinary life! I can still see her
    playing Gershwin from memory at her 90th birthday celebration at Amarillo Country Club. It was al-
    ways a celebration when Carlie & Selden were com-
    ing over for dinner & drinks at the Phillips home.
    She was a gift to all who knew her.

  2. It was such a pleasure to spend time with Carly and Aunt Marguerite when I was researching the Overhuls family genealogy. Carly was a lovely lady and I enjoyed my time with her very much.
    I know you all will miss her.
    Blessings,
    Gilda & Robert

  3. Carlie was a very special person and we will greatly miss her at The Continental. God bless her family in this time of loss.

  4. Aunt Carlie was also fun to be around. My mother adored her. She will be missed by all who knew her.
    Love,
    Gil

  5. Sorry for your loss of your mother lots of great memories of your family in our young years in bushland

  6. It was always s a pleasure to be around Carlie, with her wide range of interests and inquiring mind. My condolences to her family.

  7. Will miss you, Carlie, and I know you’re at peace now.
    What a life she had! Morn her loss, but celebrate her life.
    My deepest sympathy to Hugh and all her family.

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