Johnnie M. Simpson

Johnnie Mae Simpson, 99, of Dowagiac, formerly of Vandalia, died peacefully Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Her life began Saturday, January 22, 1927 in Elberton, Georgia, one of three children born to John and Lizzie Mae (Rucker) Carter.

Miss Johnnie lived in Flint, Michigan for many years and worked in the automotive industry.  After her retirement in 1992, she moved to Vandalia, Michigan.  She loved her new hometown, especially going to the Cass County Fair. 

Miss Johnnie had a humanitarian spirit, helping with Thanksgiving meals at the Vandalia Village Hall for those who may not have had a family to enjoy the holidays with.  She loved fishing, shopping, games of chance, her dog, and visiting the casino.

Miss Johnnie Mae Simpson will be greatly missed by family and friends.  Left to cherish her memory are her family members, including her special cousins, Daisy Hervey of Vandalia, Michigan and Georgia Yarborough of Chicago, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ilene “Dit” Drummond of Vandalia, Michigan; her brother, Charlie Harper of Chicago, Illinois; and her cousin, Zephree Fulton of Atlanta, Georgia. 

Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Johnnie M. Simpson, please visit our floral store.