Mrs. Annie Joe Simpson Jirel, 80, of Leesville, died Monday, February 23, 2015. Born on April 22, 1934 in Chester County, SC, she was the eldest daughter of the late Charles Betts Simpson and Antoinette "Lady" Hollis Simpson. She was a 1956 graduate of the Columbia Hospital School of Nursing. After retiring from the South Florida Baptist Hospital she and her husband moved to Lake Murray where she enjoyed time with her family, sewing, gardening and crafting gourds.

Annie is survived by her husband if 59 years, Robert Lee Jirel, Sr.; her son, Lee (Carol) Jirel of Aiken, her daughters, Lynn Herrington of Monroe, GA, and Suzanne Principi of Aiken; a brother, Ret. Lt. Col. John A. Simpson of Due West; a sister, Antoinette "Toni" Snead of Great Falls; sisters-in-law, Nancy Russell Simpson of Virginia, Jo Ann Simpson of Central, SC, and Sarah Jirel LaRoche of Florida; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brothers, Charles Bettes Simpson, Jr, David George Simpson, Sr.; sister-in-law, Rose Burns Simpson; brother-in-law, Dr. Hollis P. Snead, Jr.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 26th, from 1:30 until 2:30 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. A graveside service will follow at 3 o'clock, at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Road, Columbia, with Chaplain Bill Ebener officiating. The family will also greet friends at their home, Thursday evening, beginning at 6 o'clock. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.