Ruby Annette Heaton Simpson

Ruby Heaton Simpson, 93, died Saturday, May 3, 2008, after a period of declining health. The last surviving member of her immediate family, she was the daughter of the late Mary Elizabeth and Warren Heaton and the widow of Jack Simpson. Ruby was raised in Greenville, where she attended elementary school in a one-room school house and graduated from Parker High School. Always a trail-blazer, she formed the first all female-agent insurance group. She enjoyed life, the Atlanta Braves, and her family. She will be remembered for her strength, fortitude, and quick wit. She will be deeply missed. Surviving are her nieces, Anne Bishop of Greenville, and Carolyn Richards of Keller, TX; nephews, David Dempsey of Greenville and Dale Dempsey of Amsterdam, Holland; great nieces, Teresa Cothran Lisa Gregory of Greenville, and Tracie Roman of Dallas, TX, and great-nephews, Curtis Bailey and Chris Bailey, both of Greenville, as well as other great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Inez Dempsey, Warren "Dub" Heaton, Keith Heaton, and Carolyn Heaton; and a niece Elizabeth "Beth" Heaton, nephew Bill Dempsey, great-great nephews Taylor Cothran and Holden Gregory. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, with visitation immediately following. Memorials may be made to Taylor's Helping Hands, 16 Woods Edge Court, Greenville, SC 29615.