Bronda Simpkins (7-12-09)

Bronda-Maye Leann Simpkins was born in Bradenton, Fla., on Dec. 17, 1985, the daughter of Theodore and Brenda Willcutt Simpkins. Bronda was assistant manager at Hot Topic in Hickory Hollow Mall in Jackson, Tenn. She graduated from Southeast High School in Bradenton in 2004, where she lettered in JROTC Drill Team and Color Guard. She was also a member of Job’s Daughters and International Order of Rainbow for Girls. Bronda was a member of First United Methodist Church in Bradenton, Fla. She was strong-willed and she ruled the family. Bronda was very loveable and she had a very outgoing personality. She departed this life on July 12, in Decatur County, Tenn., at the age of 23 years, 6 months and 25 days. Other than her parents, Theodore and Brenda Simpkins of Crump, she is survived by one brother, John Dempsey of Gauantanamo Bay, Cuba; her paternal grandparents, Thomas and Barbara Simpkins of Okeechobee, Fla. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bronda was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, James and Birdie Willcutt. A father's sadness is forever. Visitation will be held today, Thursday, July 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Shackelford Funeral Directors, Savannah, Tenn. Memorial services will be held at Toale Brothers South Chapel in Bradenton, Fla. on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 7 p.m.