Bishop Shawn Donnal Simpson, 47, transitioned on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Carolinas Medical Center following a lengthy illness. He was born on October 30, 1978, in Iredell County and was the son of the late Lloyd Shaw Turner and Patricia Ann Simpson.
He graduated from Statesville High School and then went on to work at Armstrong Wood Flooring. He later went to work for Iredell-Statesville School District as a custodian at Lake Norman High School until his illness. He was a volunteer at the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services in his youth. He was also part of the Iredell County Rescue Squad, where he was known as “C-Spine.” He was a member of Just Anointed Ministries in Statesville, N.C.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Lloyd Shaw Simpson Sr. and Helen Turner Simpson; his maternal grandparents, James (Lena) Wallace and Rebecca Wallace; and five uncles, Melvin Simpson, Johnny Ray Turner, William Turner, James Thomas Wallace and Calvin Wallace.
He leaves to cherish his memories of life his beloved wife April Simpson of the home; two sons, Elijah Simpson and Kingston Simpson, both of Statesville; a God daughter, Zidajha Jones; his mother-in-law, Sandra Bellamy of the home; two sisters, Benita Rowe of Troutman and Stephanie (Thomas) Stokes of Statesville; a brother, Robert (Melissa) Bellamy of Troutman; two God sisters, Ashley (Darryl) Green of High Point and Pammy Davenport of Statesville; uncles, Steve (Donna) Simpson of Salisbury, Dr. Charles (Karen) Simpson of Mooresville, Craig Dulin of Statesville, Allen Wallace of Washington, D.C., and Kevin Dulin; five aunts, Robin Whittenburg and Terra (Chris) Jeffries, both of Salisbury, Norma Parker of Statesville, Helena Maddrey of Columbia, Md., and Naomi Wallace of Washington, D.C.
Shawn had a heart for encouraging the youth and loved his nieces and nephews, Desmond Bellamy, Shikela (Jeremy) Mauney, Cameron Miller, JaCorey Bellamy, Tatyana (Sean) Bellamy, JaQuale Bailey, Isaiah Jordan, Jaleal Jordan, Jeremiah Jordan, Thailan Bellamy, Joshua Bellamy, Ta’Laya Bellamy, Justin Wilson, a host of cousins, church family, clergy, other relatives and friends.
Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.