Johnnie Lou Simpson

Miss Johnnie Lou Simpson, 85, of Kernersville, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Trinity Elms in Clemmons. Born in Charlotte, on November 11, 1940, she was the only daughter of the late Howard Jerome Simpson and Wilma Blanche Stilwell Simpson of Indian Trail. Surviving are her brother, Brinkley “Tiny” Simpson, of Kernersville; her niece, Fran Simpson Stover (Michael), of Winston Salem, and numerous beloved cousins.

Johnnie and her brother were raised on a 125 acre cotton farm wearing “feed sack” clothes. Close in age, they were typical siblings, noting as a child Johnnie had written underneath a desk, “if anyone ever kills me, it was Brinkley!” After the loss of both parents in 1969 and 1970, they grew closer and in recent years, spoke daily.

Johnnie grew up attending Indian Trail Methodist Church with a Christ filled faith and heart for serving friends, family and those in need. She graduated from Indian Trail High School in NC. Following graduation, she began her career in the automotive industry with Frank Woods Pontiac in downtown Charlotte. Her mentor and boss, “Buddy” Boyd, supported her specialized training for the dealership’s office, including DMV tags and title work. In the 1970's, Mr. Boyd ran the new Toyota City in Charlotte and she accepted a new position there. At the same time, Johnnie joined the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), which championed women pursuing full-time careers in diverse occupations. Her local chapter, the “Hornet’s Nest”, elected her numerous times to positions of leadership. Through ABWA, Johnnie met lifelong friends including best friend, Sylvia Jordan, as well as Dora Holder, Patrick Adams, Peggy Bartholomew and Neal Ballard. Out of this, the next generation of these friends are close as well. She traveled for both Toyota City and ABWA, visiting states as far as Hawaii. She also loved her time spent in Wilmington, NC.

In 2006, Johnnie retired from Toyota. Having never married, putting her career first, she often described herself as an “unclaimed blessing.” Generous to a fault, Johnnie loved nothing more than offering support and concern to loved ones. She was a faithful sender of personal cards as reminders of her love. Growing up poor, she grew to be a stylishly dressed woman who loved shopping and home decorating. More recently, she had moved to Kernersville, to be closer to family. And she was famous among family and friends for her pecan pies.

The family wishes to acknowledge Johnnie’s community of friends at Gateway Place Apartments, including her cherished family friend, Belle Sims. Many there took a kind interest in her daily well being.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel. A funeral service to honor Johnnie will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Rob Decker officiating. Burial will follow at Sedge Garden United Methodist Church in Kernersville. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.