Elizabeth Sistena (McTizic) Simpson

Elizabeth Sistena (McTizic) Simpson

DECEMBER 19, 1928 ~ JULY 10, 2019 (AGE 90)

Obituary: 

An Angel on Earth. . . 

Ninety years ago, on December 19, 1928 in St. Louis, Mo. Elizabeth Sistena McTizic Simpson was sent to this world from Heaven and welcomed with love by her parents, Elder Tommie McTizic and Mother Addie Sain McTizic. Nine decades later, on July 10, 2019 at 11:13 a.m. at the blessed age of 90, God called her back to His loving arms and to her forever home in Heaven. Waiting to welcome her to Heaven are her loving husband of 42 years, Sidney Simpson, her parents, and her siblings: John Wesley McTizic, Annie Mae Dickson, Freddie Mae McTizic, Junious McTizic, Leatha Herron, Wycliffers McTizic, Beatrice Golden, and Louis Edward McTizic. 

Her funeral service was held on Saturday July 20, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Zion Temple Worship Center-Bolivar with Reverend Anthony Herron in charge.  Burial was in the Bolivar Community Cemetery and Dixie Funeral Home (www.dixiefuneralhome.com) was in charge of the professional service. 

But first, her story

Elizabeth was a bright and happy child who made her mark in the family which wasn’t easy to do with 11 brothers and sisters. She was the 5th child, daughter of a Preacher, and raised in a close and God-fearing family. Her parents relocated from St. Louis to Chicago but later settled in Hardeman County, TN.  Elizabeth was educated in the Hardeman County School system but was a student of life. When not working on the family farm, she was looking out for her younger siblings. Even as a youngin’, Elizabeth was a born caregiver.  She enjoyed the outdoors, cooking, sports, and loved music and dancing. loved helping to raise her younger siblings, caring for them, and showing them the way. 

Elizabeth, the Wife

Her father always told Elizabeth and her siblings to “go up North” for a better life with more opportunities. Since her older sister had relocated to Chicago, Elizabeth followed her soon thereafter.  That’s where she met and fell in love with Sidney Simpson. On November 12, 1949 they married and began their happy marriage together.  When her husband, Sidney, was drafted into the Korean war, he sent Elizabeth to live with his mother, Tommie Lee Smith, in Waterloo, Iowa in case he did not return from war.  

Raising a family, Serving the Lord

In Waterloo, life was good and Sidney and Elizabeth began to grow their family with the birth of their daughter, Debra and shortly thereafter, their son, Sidney II.  Upon moving to Waterloo, Elizabeth joined Payne A.M.E Church in 1951 and was a member for nearly 70 years until her death. Members of Payne A.M.E. knew and respected her as an elder and woman of God. They loved the dozens of 7-Up cakes she would prepare for special church occasions down through the years. 

Elizabeth, the happy homemaker

Elizabeth loved gardening. Her huge garden was her pride and joy. She planted just about everything one could grow! There were potatoes, onions, greens, green beans, tomatoes, polk salad, corn, and so much more.  Her backyard boasted two apple trees from which she would can jellies, jams, applesauce, and make delicious apple pies. And she also made a delicious Blackberry cobbler! Cooking gave her much pleasure and she was an amazing cook. It gave her joy to see her family and friends enjoy her dishes made from scratch and there was always plenty! 

Elizabeth enjoyed entertaining in her home, hosting many a spirited “Bid Whiz” card party, and serving you a steaming hot cup of very strong coffee! Her family and friends were extremely important to her. She was always a source of laughter, unwavering support, and wise advice.

Elizabeth, hardworking and strong

Beyond creating a loving and happy home, Elizabeth was a working woman. She worked at the distinguished Blacks department store as an elevator operator.  Later she was trained as an automatic spot welder for Waterloo Industries before retiring in 1991. 

Truly a non-traditional career for women, she worked at Waterloo Industries for more than 25 years.  You would recognize the quality of her workmanship in the infamous red Sears Toolboxes, her primary assignment.  Elizabeth loved the outdoors and going fishing; she kept a beautiful manicured lawn and grew a bountiful garden. 

Elizabeth, the caregiver

Elizabeth had a special heart for caring for others. She cared for her ailing mother-in-law Tommie Lee and her sweet Aunt Carrie Horton, and her special friend, Willie Roby.  She most recently found joy in taking her dear friend, Tillie Smith, to doctor’s appointments and taking over food and meals until she could no longer drive.  It’s only when she herself became sick and could no longer help others, that she stopped caregiving. Not only did she have a caring heart, but she literally gave one of her kidneys to her brother, Louis Edward McTizic in 1978. Louis was the longest living kidney dialysis recipient at the time before he passed. Elizabeth herself lived another 40-plus years with just one kidney!

Elizabeth, ‘Keeps It Real’

Elizabeth was not one to mince words. She spoke candidly and directly valuing honesty and the sometimes “hard truth” most people find difficult to face. But in the end, she was usually right on point with her advice and predictions, based on experience. Elizabeth loved sitting in her outdoor parlor with her good friend Dorothy Love and cousin Aleta Alexander. They would talk for hours about anything and everything – a welcome break from caring for the garden.

Elizabeth, the Great – Forever in our Hearts

Memories and legacy of Elizabeth Sistena McTizic Simpson will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.  She leaves her daughter – Debra (Bates) Carr and her son Sidney II (Phyllis) Simpson of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren – Donterrell Simpson of Waterloo, IA; Derek Andrew Simpson Carr of McKinney, TX; Darren Andre Simpson Carr of Des Moines, IA; DeShon (Shelly) Washington, Waterloo, IA; DeMar “MarTay: (Camille) Jenkins, Goodyear, AZ; great-grandson – Sebastian Simpson; Sir Chance Simpson of Waterloo; great-granddaughter – Aundrea Elizabeth Carr of Des Moines, IA; three sisters – Naomi Griffin of Bolivar, TN; Ruth Webb of Chicago, IL; and Tommie Jean (Bobby) Woods of Bolivar, TN. A host of nieces, nephews and many close friends.

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