Betty Simpkins Hutchison

Betty Simpkins Hutchison of Kenova, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 26, 2016, at Cabell Health Care Center, Culloden, WV. She was born in Wayne, WV, to the late James R. Simpkins, and Nola Brumfield Simpkins. Betty graduated from Ceredo-Kenova High School, and attended Marshall University and Tri-State Bible College. She was best known for her music, art, and poetry. She was the church pianist for the First Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Kenova from 1956 until her illness in 2012. Her theme song was “Make Me a Blessing,” which she faithfully played each Sunday as the classes convened. She sang and played piano in several quartets and trios, and in her earlier years, was a teacher of shaped note music. Betty discovered a gift for drawing late in her life and enjoyed charcoal drawings and simple sketches. She was a lifelong poet and several of her poems were published in the World of Poetry Press and National Library of Poetry. She was chosen “Golden Poet” of the year on several occasions. Betty had a love for animals and consistently carried pet food in her car in case she would come across an animal in need. Betty loved the ocean and saw it through a lens all her own. Many of her writings reflected this love, as well as her many trips to Myrtle Beach. Betty worked as a secretary for AEP, and the Social Security office and retired from Southwestern Community Action Council after 23 years of service. Betty served in her church, not only as pianist, but as Sunday School Teacher of the Young Marrieds class for 16 years. She was past president of the Ladies Mission Circle, and served as the church clerk for several years. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brothers, Jimmy and Wayne Simpkins, and her sister, Madge Jones. She is survived by her two daughters, Linda McCaffrey of Kenova, and Myra (Art) Lydick of Huntington; two grandchildren, Meredith Lydick of Kenova and Molly Lydick of Huntington. Also surviving are one niece, Joanne Hays of Vienna, WV, and three nephews, Casey (Dianne) Jones of Rockwood, TN, Scott Jones of Parkersburg, and John (Cathy) Simpkins of Barboursville. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Cabell Health Care Center and a special thanks to Amy Fields and her staff in the Lighthouse Unit, who were angels of mercy. Funeral services will be held at 2pm Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the First Independent Missionary Baptist Church of Kenova, with the Rev. Scott Byard officiating. The family will welcome friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Docks Creek Cemetery in Kenova. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund of First Independent Missionary Baptist Church, 848 13th Street, Kenova. Rollins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.