Dawn Michale Simpkins died December 17, 2025, at the age of 67.
She was born August 2, 1958, to Kaye and Mary Spencer in Pontiac, Michigan. She graduated from Avondale High School in 1976. She met the love of her life, Michael Dean Simpkins, and they were married on December 17, 1977.
They settled in Avon Township, but loved to travel. Both avid campers and boaters, they spent many happy days traveling with their children and eventually grandchildren. Dawn was always up for an adventure.
Driving a school bus was her favorite career, and she became very attached to the children in her care. For 15 years, she drove a bus at Avondale and later for Sawyerville Headstart in Alabama.
After her husband Michael’s retirement from General Motors in 2008, the couple traveled nomad style for seven years, touring the United States. Dawn loved to collect cookbooks and rocks from the various regions of the country.
Eventually settling down roots in Akron, Alabama, in 2014, they established another home together. Besides cooking, sewing, reading, and crafting, Dawn enjoyed sitting on the back deck Michael built for her, watching the hummingbirds and other wildlife. She called her haven “The Tree House,” as it was built over a ravine and faced the woods.
Dawn is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Michael Simpkins, Sr.; son Michael, Jr. (Dawn); grandchildren Jenna (19) and Jackson Dean “JD” (13); devoted daughter Megan; grandson Ryan (14); son Matthew (Sara); granddaughters Anna (19) and Casey (17). Also surviving are her siblings, Kathleen Gibson and Jeff Spencer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Vine Church, 70 Owen Street, Moundville, Alabama 35474.
