By Shaun Szkolnik for the Tribune
CLAY – On Thursday Elmcroft resident Dolly Simpson turned one hundred.
On hand to help her celebrate the event were her fellow residents, Elmwood staff and several family members.
Festivities included cake, gifts, the donning of a lighted birth-day sash, a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and the music of one-man-band Jerry Ryan, of Three on a String.
Simpson absolutely beamed while in the presence of friends and family. She also loved the music; smiling, bobbing her head and tapping her feet to such songs as Mac the Knife, Wonderful World, In the Mood and, of course, Hello Dolly.
Dolly Simpson had another special visitor with a very special gift. Mayor Charles Webster arrived, wished Simpson a happy birthday, informed her of a city ordinance recognizing her, and delivered a personal message, and certificate, from Kay Ivey in which the Governor celebrated Simpson as an outstanding person and offered congratulations on her remarkable life.
According to family Dolly Simpson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1918. She met the love of her life, Arthur Lee Simpson, at Asbury Park in New Jersey when she was in her early twenties. The two married in 1941 and relocated to Detroit, Michigan where Mr. Simpson had secured work.
Shortly after arriving in Detroit Mr. Simpson received his draft notice and shipped off to serve his country in World War II. He was a quarter master and heavy rig operator. He arrived at Normandy on D +1 and, during his time in the war, earned the Bronze and Silver Star.
Mrs. Simpson worked for a time at a Studebaker plant in Detroit, but spent most of their years together as a homemaker.
Mr. Simpson was originally from Birmingham and in 1990 the two moved to the area. As family member John Michael Simpson recalled, “90 percent of his family was in the south. He just decided to move home. He was born and raised on 7th Avenue north in Birmingham, right off 41st Street.”