Norma Jean Simpkins, 85 years old Akron Ohio, passed away February 2, 2025. 

Norma was born on May 14,1939 in Barberton, OH to late Kenneth and Clara Eckenrode. She graduated from Barberton High School in 1957.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Moore Memorial United Methodist Church from 1939 through 2012 when the church doors closed.  She served on numerous committees of the church and served 14 years as the President of their United Methodist Women Organization.  In October 2012, she joined Copley United Methodist Church and continued to serve wherever needed until her passing.

She retired from Babcock & Wilcox after 32 years of service as an administrative assistant in the Government Contract Administration Group of the BWX Technologies Division.

Norma was preceded in death by her loving husband of 33 years, Robert G. Simpkins and her loving brother, Donald F. Eckenrode, and sister-in-law Carole Eckenrode of Wadsworth, OH.

She will lovingly be remembered by her beloved children Janet D. Dye (Timothy) Akron, OH, Linda J. Wise (Robert) Eldersburg, MD, with their 3 children Kenny Wise (Ryan), Bobby Wise (Tricia), Elisabeth Collins (Adam) and John H. Wunderlich Nashville, TN.  She also will be fondly remembered by her stepson Robert B. Simpkins (first marriage Jorena) with their 3 children Chase Simpkins, Davis Simpkins and Bryson Simpkins and (current marriage Jessica) with her four children Rebekah, Scott, Elizabeth and Benn; and stepson Richard D. Simpkins (Amy) Louisville, OH and their two children Morgan Simpkins (great grandchild Noah) and Daniel Simpkins.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, March 8, 11:30 AM at Copley United Methodist Church, 1518 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Copley OH 44321, www.umc.org.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association www.heart.org, Copley United Methodist Church Memorial Fund www.umc.org or Humane Society of Summit County www.summithumane.org.