Josanna Robertson Greenwood Simpson, 63, passed away peacefully at Jennie Stuart Medical Center on May 8, 2026.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Hughart Beard Giles Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11 am until the service hour at the funeral home.
Josanna was born on November 5, 1962, to Beverly McDonald Greenwood, Jr., and Lynda Robertson Greenwood.
She was a graduate of Christian County High School in 1980 and the University of Kentucky in 1984 with a BA. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Upon graduation, she returned home and married her high school sweetheart, Mark (OJ) Simpson, in 1985, and they began their family. Josanna was a devoted mother and worked at University Heights Academy, where her children, Jake, Gavin, and Alex attended. She cheered on sporting events, dance contests, and innumerable school activities.
She extended that devotion to her grandchildren, to whom she was their precious "Mimi". She picked them up from school, attended all their activities, and looked forward to opening the family pool for them each summer.
She was also devoted to her dogs. From the time the children were small until today, there was always a pup in the home. She leaves behind her sweet Poppy Jo.
Josanna was a country girl. Her life growing up on the farm with her siblings, Mac, Scarlett, and John Headley, was filled with adventures. Jumping on their bikes and riding all over the farms, working with their Granny in the garden, and canning their pickings; it was a special childhood.
While devastated when her father died, she remembered the promise to him that her mother would never have to leave her home. When her mother was diagnosed with a debilitating terminal disease, Josanna devoted herself to her mom.
It was this experience that led her to the vocation God intended for her, nursing. She returned to school and became an RN. She worked in several hospitals, including Jennie Stuart Hospital, and ended her career in private nursing.
She was a lifelong member of Liberty Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Both Dr. Brooks Major and Reverend Jim Hazelrigg had a profound influence on her life.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Mark Wayne (OJ) Simpson; sons; Jake Simpson, Gavin Simpson (Kristin), and daughter, Alexandria Nichole Simpson, all of Christian County; grandchildren include Abby, Zaylee, Jaxon, Jack, Braylen, McKenna, Bracey, Macey, Laykin, Gage, and Slayton; her sister, Scarlett Paitsel (Jim), Fulton and brother, John Headley Greenwood (Shannon), LaCenter; and 6 nieces and 4 nephews. Hanson Williams and Tracey Williams of Newstead are extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly McDonald Greenwood, Jr., and Lynda Jo Robertson Greenwood, and her brother, Beverly McDonald Greenwood III.
Josanna's life was defined by giving to others. The family is grateful to the physicians and nurses at Jennie Stuart Medical Center and to the Network for Hope, which allowed her giving to continue helping and healing others.
Her family is deeply grateful for the love and support of her church family, many friends, and colleagues.
Donations in Josanna's name may be made to Liberty Christian Church, Max's Hope, or the Christian County Animal Shelter.
