Jo Ann Harper Simpson
Passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, in Ellisville, Missouri, surrounded by family and friends.
Born on September 28, 1947 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to William “Bill” Harper and Mary Dorothy “Dottie” Harper, Jo Ann grew up in New Jersey with stops in Texas, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania before heading to St. Louis. She earned degrees in education from Southwest Missouri State University and University of Missouri – St. Louis.
After settling in St. Louis, Jo Ann married William H. “Bill” Simpson in 1994, embracing his family as her own. Jo Ann was a loving daughter, wife, stepmother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She is survived by her stepsons, Scott (Liz) Simpson and Brian Simpson; grandchildren, Ted, Ethan and Adelyn; siblings, Rick Harper, Lyn Wunschl, Bill (Cindy) Harper and Judy Harper; and nieces and nephews, Brian Wunschl, Matthew (Jensine) Wunschl, Adam Wunschl, Lindsay Harper and Kelsey Harper. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and stepson, Brad Simpson.
Jo Ann was a passionate and caring teacher for St. Louis’ Special School District for more than 40 years. She enjoyed traveling, weekends at the lake and outings to the movies and Fox Theatre with friends. She also cherished time with her close-knit group of neighbors through book clubs, game nights, dinners, parties – and of course, shopping!
Services: A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bishop’s Post, 16125 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri. Stop by anytime to share stories and memories of Jo Ann.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Condolence(1)-
Becky Rehder says
March 10, 2025 at 12:48 pmI will truly miss my beautiful friend. She brought sunshine and laughter wherever she went. I will always remember her amazing smile.