Helen "Reaky" Simpson

On Monday, May 20^th 2024 God called home one of his Angels, Mrs. Helen ”Reaky” Diggs Simpson home.

Reaky was born 8 out of 10 children to the late Perlie McKinley Diggs and Lucy Bell Todd Diggs on October 10, 1954.

Reaky was a Smithfield native and was educated in the Smithfield School System. She graduated from Smithfield High School in 1973. After high school she enlisted in the United States army in September 1974 and meanwhile married John Simpson in June 1977.  They had three beautiful girls along the way.

Helen continued   her career in 1978 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard and retired after 25+ years.

Reaky was the life of the party. She would hype you up and would be jamming all at the same time. Everyone definitely loved that about her. She loved sports. You couldn’t tell her nothing. She was most talking back catcher you have ever seen. She knew how to get  everyone fired up. The Dallas Cowboys were her favorite football team. When LeBron James came into the league she followed him. Her beautiful smile and dimple will truly be missed.

Helen was predeceased by her parents Perlie and Lucy Todd Diggs, her sisters; Brenda Diggs Tynes and Gloria LaVern Diggs and her nieces; Melissa Paulette Diggs and Sharonda Yvette Diggs. 

Helen leaves to cherish her memory her husband John Simpson, 3 daughters; Tania  S. Jennings (Wayland), Salena M. Simpson and Kristen Simpson; 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 7 siblings; Willie R. Todd (Alberta), Dorothy Brown, (George), Thelma Diggs, Cynthia Diggs, Perlie Diggs (Alice), martin Diggs and Audrey Cram (Richard), her godson Daniel Jennings and a host of nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins  and friends especially her  childhood and military friend Sherry Ellis and Debbie Jennings.  Her spirit will forever live on and be remembered by all whom she loved and who loved her.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the Chapel. Interment will follow the service with Military Honors at Tynes Cemetery, Berry Hill Road, Smithfield, VA 23430. 

Please Keep the Diggs-Simpson family in your thoughts and prayers.