Ardell Margaret Cecelia (Hancock) Simpson was born November 7, 1925 to the late Alphonso Hancock and Margaret (Wiggins) Hancock and lovingly raised with her step-father James Bacon. She peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, November 9th, at Calvary Hospital, Bronx, NY.

Ardell was born and raised primarily in Harlem, NY and attended New York public schools. She briefly lived in Mount Vernon. She moved to White Plains as a teenager and graduated from White Plains High School (that is now the Highlands Middle School). Upon graduating from high school Ardell attended and graduated from New York University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Ardell had begun working on her Master’s Degree in Education to become a teacher. A few years after graduating from N.Y.U. she began employment as a social worker with the City of New York. This employment opportunity turned into a 39-year career for Ardell. She was fondly known by her supervisors and co-workers as being the “social worker’s social worker”. All her clients said: “If you have Mrs. Simpson as your worker, you have everything that you need”.

Before beginning her employment with the City of New York, Ardell often worked as a barmaid in her stepfather and mother’s bar and grill, Jimmy’s Chicken Shack. The Chicken Shack was a very popular after-hours spot during the early forties. As Ardell would tell you: “I had a very ‘colorful’ life growing up in Harlem. There were beautiful dances to go to and always a fun and safe place to have a good time”. One of Ardell’s guy friends worked at The Chicken Shack as a dishwasher. His name at the time when they became friends was Malcom Little. Years later he changed his name to Malcom X.

It wasn’t Malcom X who stole Ardell’s heart, it was a tall handsome customer who came into The Chicken Shack. She met the love of her life, Walter F. Simpson, Sr., fondly known as “Fletcher”, while working there. Fletcher and Ardell were married on March 7, 1953. A year and a month later they became the parents of their first child, Walter F. Simpson, Jr. Four years after Walter, they welcomed Margaret E. and the year after Margaret, Andrea J. (Timi), completed the family. They raised their family in the Greenburgh Parkway Homes neighborhood. The family attended Grace Episcopal Church in White Plains, NY. Fletcher and Ardell had 36 years of marriage together before his passing in June 1989.

Ardell enjoyed vacationing at the family summer home on Martha’s Vineyard. She was strong swimmer and loved the beach. An avid reader, Ardell would read through entire series of mystery novels by her favorite authors, such as James Patterson. Her education created a great interest in history; learning about the Roman empire period through the kings and queens of Europe. Ardell was a “phenomenal” cook. Southern cooking, Italian dishes, seafood dishes; her meals put restaurants to shame.

Ardell will be forever loved and missed by those who will forever cherish her in their hearts: her son Walter Simpson, Jr.; daughter Andrea (Timi) Simpson. Her seven grandchildren: Margaret’s children, Brittany and Ernest Anderson II and their father, Ernest Anderson. Timi and Windric High 4th ‘s children: Earl and Alyssa (High) Thomas, Ashley High/James Cole, Audrey High, Aysia High/Scottie Harrison, and Windric High 5th ; her nine great-grandchildren: Jaden, Jae-La, Patrick, Amara, Journey, Cali, Carter, Cameron and Arya. Two cousins, Joan Liggons of Phildelphia, and Cecelia Artes of New Jersey; and many more family and friends.

Ardell was predeceased by her husband, Walter F. Simpson, Sr. and her daughter Margaret E. Simpson.

Family will receive friends Wed. Nov. 16, 2016 from 2:00-4:00pm & 6:00-8:00pm, then Funeral service, Thurs. Nov. 17th, 12:00 Noon, all held at Lee's Funeral Home. Burial White Plains Rural Cemetery.

The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the Simpson family entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Simpson family during their time of bereavement.