Marlita (Shelton) Simpson

Marlita Simpson

September 14, 1960 ~ January 21, 2026 (age 65)

Marlita Simpson was born on September 14, 1960, in Washington, D.C., to the late Wallace Gunter and Cecil Hood Gunter.

On January 21, 2026, God called her home, and she peacefully transitioned from this life at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, service, and compassion for others.

At an early age, Marlita accepted Christ and united with Kentucky Baptist Church, where she served faithfully. Her formative years included four years of living in Germany, an experience that broadened her worldview and shaped her adaptability and resilience. Upon returning to the United States, she graduated from Falls Church High School in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Marlita was briefly married to the late Eddie Tracy, and from that union, one daughter, Lakisha Tracy, was born. Though the marriage lasted a short time, Marlita’s devotion to motherhood endured throughout her life, and her family remained central to her heart. She began her professional career working with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) at Fort Myer.

While stationed at Arlington Hall Army Base, Marlita met the love of her life, Lawrence Simpson. They were united in holy matrimony in May 1986 and shared nearly forty years of marriage until her passing. Marlita was known for her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. In 1989, she followed her passion for beauty and care by becoming a store manager at Sally Beauty Supply.

Her desire to serve others later led her into healthcare, and in 2004 she earned her Medical Assistant License from the American School of Nursing. She went on to work faithfully with a medical group in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was respected for her compassion and professionalism. In 2005, Marlita and Lawrence relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.

There, they purchased their family home along with two four-unit apartment properties. Marlita managed the properties with diligence and integrity, embracing self-employment and serving as a dedicated property manager. In 2023, Marlita united with Roger Heights Baptist Church, a place she grew to love deeply.

Her faith was not confined to words but expressed through action. She faithfully visited the sick and shut-in, delivered necessities and thoughtfully prepared gift baskets, and consistently sought ways to encourage and uplift others. Her heart for service extended beyond the church walls into the community.

Marlita was licensed into ministry and later ordained as a Deaconess, serving with humility, commitment, and grace. She was ordained as part of the first group of Deaconesses in the 109-year history of Roger Heights Baptist Church, marking a historic and meaningful milestone in the life of the congregation. She also initiated a clothing drive for those in need—an outreach effort that quickly expanded and impacted many lives.

Throughout her life, Marlita was gifted with a servant’s heart. Anyone she encountered was met with sincerity, kindness, and a genuine willingness to help. She took pride in caring for others, standing beside them during difficult seasons, and celebrating with them in moments of joy. Her life was a living testimony of compassion, generosity, and unwavering faith. Marlita Simpson was a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, caring sister, and faithful servant of God. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: Her devoted husband, Lawrence Simpson, Nashville, Tennessee; Her beloved daughter, Lakisha Tracy, Nashville, Tennessee; Her cherished granddaughter, Jacri Tracy-Gunter, Nashville, Tennessee; Brother, Daryl (Debbie) Gunter, Fairfax, Virginia; Sister, Yvette Gunter, Mount Airy, North Carolina; Brother, Jerome (Kendra) Gunter, Woodbridge, Virginia; Sisters-in-law, Betty Simpson, Henderson, Tennessee Brenda Simpson, Toone, Tennessee; Phyllis Simpson, Jackson, Tennessee; Martha Simpson, Florida; Brothers-in-law, Billy Simpson Bobby Simpson, Nashville, Tennessee; David Simpson, Bolivar, Tennessee; Richard Simpson, Bolivar, Tennessee; Along with a host of nieces, nephews, stepchildren, cousins, and dear friends.

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