In Memory

Leula Emley (Simpson) - Class Of 1941

Leula Emley (Simpson)

Leula Emley Simpson

June 9, 1923 - August 15, 2022

Leula (Lee) Emley Simpson went to be with her Lord at age 99. She was born to Ivan and Jessie (Kellam) Emley in the Los Angeles area.

After graduating South Pasadena High School, Lee attended Pasadena City College, UCLA, and the Broadoaks School of Whittier College. She became a kindergarten teacher and taught at Mingay (Burbank), Webster (Pasadena), and Myra Linn (Riverside). There was a 15 year break in teaching to raise her family.

Because faith was an important part of her life, Lee was very active in her church. She participated in church performances and fund raising for the Good Samaritan Hospital as well as the women's auxiliary. While attending St James South Pasadena, she met her husband Harry R Simpson (SPHS '31). Their wedding was in 1947 and they were married for 54 years. In 1960 the family moved from Altadena to Riverside, where she had lived briefly as a child. There Harry and Lee built a home in the midst of orange tree groves once owned by retired businessman Newton Kellam.

Lee retired from teaching in 1976 and the following year, she and Harry moved to La Jolla. There they became active members at St James-by-the-Sea. Lee participated in arranging flowers for services and weddings. She was instrumental in helping organize the church flower guild and faithfully served on the altar guild, annual rummage sale and other church functions. Lee was also a member of the La Jolla Village Singers, San Diego Flower Arrangers Guild, The Village Garden Club of La Jolla, Art Alive at Balboa Park, and the Social Service League of La Jolla.

Lee had great love of gardening, music, and reading, and made the most of whatever opportunities presented themselves in her life. She took each day as it came, lived life with a positive attitude, and enjoyed people. She encouraged them in their pursuits, having a kindness and gentleness about her. During difficult times, she was a calming presence.

Her husband and son Allen preceded her in death. She is survived by sons Earl and Ralph (wife Lisa).

San Diego Union-Tribune, April 9, 2023