Mother Arthurene Simpson, 75, of Pittsburg, Kansas, peacefully departed this life on Friday, September 25, 2026, at her home following an illness. Her life was one marked by faith, family, service, music, and an enduring love for people.

Arthurene was born on April 4, 1951, in Oswego, Kansas, to Arthur Scott and Violet Ann (Jones) Fentress. She was raised in Oswego and graduated from Oswego High School. She later attended Coffeyville Community College, where she enjoyed college life and served as a cheerleader.

During those years, Arthurene met the young man who would become the love of her life, Walter Nolie Simpson, Jr., who was then a student/athlete at Independence Community College. Their relationship blossomed, and on July 14, 1971, Arthurene and Walter were united in marriage in Oswego, Kansas. Their union was blessed with two sons, Anthony Nolan and Timothy Watson Simpson. Together, Arthurene and Walter built a life centered upon their family, their faith, and their commitment to serving God and His people.

Arthurene possessed a strong work ethic and a heart for caring for others. Early in her professional life, she held several positions, including working as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell and in administration with the Kansas Extension Office in Independence, Kansas. She also worked as a charge nurse in various nursing homes throughout the area.

Her desire to care for others eventually led her to further her education at Neosho Community College and Independence Community College, where she earned her degree in nursing. She devoted many years of her life to the nursing profession, serving patients in nursing facilities throughout Independence and Pittsburg. She also worked alongside Dr. Odgers in his medical office before later joining Comfort Care Homes, where she faithfully served until her retirement. Nursing was more than a profession for Arthurene; it reflected her natural compassion and desire to care for those in need.

In 1982, Arthurene became a member of Lighthouse Temple in Pittsburg, Kansas, when her husband, the late Bishop Walter N. Simpson, Jr., was appointed pastor. For many years, the Simpson family faithfully traveled from Independence to Pittsburg each weekend to serve the ministry. Their commitment to the church and the Pittsburg community eventually led them to make Pittsburg their permanent home in 2002.

Arthurene faithfully served alongside her husband throughout his pastoral ministry, becoming an integral part of the life and growth of Lighthouse Temple. She was a woman of many gifts and willingly used them wherever there was a need.

Throughout the years, she served in numerous capacities, including Sunday School teacher, choir director, event coordinator, and she was a licensed Evangelist. Her love for music extended beyond her local church. She served as President of the Music Department for the Fort Scott District, where she organized concerts, workshops, and other musical gatherings designed to encourage and develop others in ministry.

Within the Kansas East Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ, Arthurene served as Secretary to State Supervisor Mother Roberta Thuston. She also served as a Platform Hostess during the Kansas East Jurisdictional Conventions in Kansas City, Kansas. Whether she was singing, organizing, teaching, hosting, or simply lending a helping hand, Arthurene served with grace and dedication.

Music held a particularly special place in her heart. She loved to sing and understood music as both an expression of joy and a means of ministry. Yet her interests extended well beyond the walls of the church. Arthurene enjoyed organizing sightseeing tours for senior citizens, creating opportunities for others to travel, fellowship, laugh, and experience new places together.

Later in life, she discovered another creative passion — painting. It became yet another way for her to express the creativity and appreciation for beauty that had always been a part of who she was.

Arthurene also knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. She loved people, treasured her family, enjoyed laughter, and delighted in spending time with those she loved. Christmastime brought her particular joy. During the holiday season, she could often be found driving for hours simply admiring Christmas lights, enjoying the beauty and wonder of the season.

Above all, Arthurene loved God. Her faith was woven throughout every season of her life. She loved God's people and found fulfillment in serving others. Whether caring for patients as a nurse, ministering through music, supporting her husband in ministry, teaching, organizing events, traveling with seniors, or spending time with family, she gave of herself generously.

Mother Arthurene Simpson leaves behind far more than a record of the positions she held or the places she served. She leaves a legacy of faithfulness, compassion, music, ministry, laughter, and love. She spent her life caring for people, encouraging others, supporting her family, and serving the Lord she loved.

Though her earthly voice has grown silent, the song of her life continues in the family she cherished, the people she served, the ministry she helped build, and the countless lives made brighter because she was there.

Her life was a song of faith, her hands were devoted to service, and her heart belonged to God and His people.

Arthurene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bishop Walter N. Simpson, Jr.; her mother, Violet Ann (Jones) Fentress; her father, Arthur Scott; her sister, Jacqueline; her brother, Michael Sr.; and her nephew, Michael Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two sons, Anthony Simpson and his wife, Audrey, and Timothy Simpson and his wife, Desiree; five grandchildren, Janai, Karrell, Tamia, Bryson, and Kylee; and one great-grandson, Kairo Jahlani.

She is also survived by her sister, Kay Parks and her husband, Leroy; her godchildren; a host of extended family members and dear friends; and her beloved Pentecostal Churches Independent and Lighthouse Temple Ministries church families.

Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the Lighthouse Temple Ministry in Pittsburg, KS. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at the Ft. Scott National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS. Family will receive friends from 11 to 1 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to Lighthouse Temple Ministry. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS.