Linda (Craig) Simpson

Linda Simpson, age 79 of Springfield, formerly of Anna, died Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Regency Care of Springfield. She was born on April 13, 1945 in Makanda, the daughter of Albert R. "Abe" and Cecile A. (Perry) Craig.

Linda is survived by her children, Craig Simpson, Christy Bivens (Jack Bivens) and daughter-in-love Carline Simpson; grandchildren, Jacob Bivens (Kirsten Bivens), Jeremy Bivens (Mariah Irwin) and Nathan Simpson (Chandra Simpson); great grandchildren, Lennox Bivens, Beckett and Parker Joy Simpson; siblings, Brenda Vitaska and Steven Craig, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Linda was an active member of Anna Heights Baptist Church until she moved to Springfield, IL in November 2023 due to an injury. She lived her life for Jesus Christ. As a servant to her savior, she helped so many people in need and did this in many ways. In her younger years, she would take elderly and widowed women of her church to the store and to run errands, gave food to the needy and was available to pray any time of day for those in need. Family members and friends said she had a direct line to heaven.

Linda was known to many as 'Granny.' She loved being a Granny to her three grandsons. It was only with becoming a great-grandma that she traded 'Granny' in for 'GiGi.' Linda worked as a secretary for Water and Soil Conservation in Sparta, IL where she lived and raised her children. After moving back to southern Illinois to help her aging parents, she was employed by Addis Healthcare.

Linda loved the color blue and if you feel compelled, we would love to see those attending the visitation or celebration of life wear blue to honor the life of our 'GiGi.'

A celebration of Linda's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna. Family and friends may gather from  3:00 p.m. until the service time at 4:00 p.m. at the church. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Anna Heights Baptist Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital of the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the church.