Jane Lanell Simpson

Jane Lanell Simpson, affectionately known to family and friends as "Jan," passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on January 26, 1928, in Dothan, Alabama, to the late Ralph Hollis Arnold and Annie Lois (Speigner) Arnold.

Jan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter H. Simpson, and by many of her children: Joe Simpson, Janet Cronce, Deborah Smith, Mitchretta Simpson, Nancy Simpson, and Dan Simpson. She leaves behind her loving children, Tom Simpson, Tim Simpson, and Valerie Simpson Culhane. She was also the cherished grandmother of 17 grandchildren and was blessed with many great-grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Xyritha Roland, and is survived by her brothers, Gerald Arnold and Lloyd Arnold.

Jan was known throughout her life as a hard worker with a caring spirit. She spent many years as a manager with Kmart and later dedicated nearly twenty years of service to Nixon and Thon Funeral Home. Through every season of life, she approached her work with faithfulness, compassion, and determination.

A devoted member of Gateway Church of Christ, Jan's faith was the foundation of her life. She loved attending church and listening to gospel music, which brought her great comfort and joy. She found happiness in sewing and crocheting, creating treasured keepsakes for those she loved. A loyal Detroit sports fan, she faithfully cheered on the Detroit Tigers through thick and thin and especially enjoyed watching the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions alongside her son Dan.

Throughout the last year of her life, her granddaughter, Angela May, became a devoted caregiver to Jan for which the family was very grateful. Jan also treasured the friendships she shared with Becky Hernandez, with whom she attended church and who assisted Angela with Jan's care during the last several months of her life. She was also blessed by the enduring friendship of Martha Smith and Sam Shortbridge, friends of more than forty years. In her later years, she enjoyed the companionship of Sassy, Angela's cat, who faithfully kept her company.

Though Jan's greatest legacy was not found in her accomplishments, but in the love she poured into her family and friends, her steadfast faith, kind heart, and unwavering devotion will be remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Solosy Funeral Home, with funeral services beginning at 7:00 p.m. that evening. Cremation will follow, and her family will lay her remains to rest at Ferndale Cemetery in Riverview, Michigan with her beloved Walter.

Her life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and love, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she leaves behind.