Born June 4, 1971 in Kankakee, Illinois
Departed June 1, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
Kristal Simpson, 52, born in Kankakee, Illinois on June 4, 1971, went into the presence of the LORD Jesus, June 1, 2024, in Melbourne, Florida.
She graduated from Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee, Illinois in June 1989 and continued her post-secondary education at Kankakee Community College.
During high school, Kristal was a remarkable basketball player who was recognized as most valuable player and led the girls’ team as captain. She held the state record for class 3A high schools in the state of Illinois when she shot 9 three-point goals in a single game.
After two years of college, Kristal enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1992 and served seven years, during which time she met her husband Matt. After serving as a computer graphic technician, she was honorably discharged and continued to serve as a military spouse in support of her husband Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Simpson’s 28-year Air Force career.
Kristal loved decorating and was exceptional in her ability to do so. Her interior design talents were extensively used by friends and family.
Most importantly, Kristal loved God and the Bible. Over the course of her life, she read the Bible through dozens of times, and she almost completed memorizing the book of 1 John before her crossing into heaven. She loved sharing the gospel and having theological discussions with people.
Kristal will be profoundly missed by her husband Matt Simpson; sons Joshua and Caleb; parents David and Teri Buss; brothers Tim, Dustin and Keith, and a multitude of other family and friends.
A graveside service, will be held Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida 32574 on Friday June 14, at 2:00 pm. Kristal’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Harbor City Baptist Church, 2711 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32935 on Saturday June 15, 2024 at 11:00 am. The United States Air Force will accord her honors.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Harbor City Baptist Church, for the advance of the Gospel ministry in honor of Kristal. Donations can be mailed to Harbor City Baptist Church, 2711 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida, 32935. To learn more:
Robert Simpson
from Parma Heights wrote on June 14, 2024:
Kristal will be missed greatly by all of us in the Simpson Family. She was loved by everyone who met her. A wonderful mother and wife. Our hearts go out to Matt and the boys. We are here for you.
Keith and Brenda Summerville
from Panama City Florida wrote on June 10, 2024:
We met Matt and Kristal when they were stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City more than 20 years ago. They have been steadfast friends from time we got to know them, even after they moved around the country. We would take every opportunity to visit them whenever we could. They have kept us in their prayers 🙏 always. We will miss Kristal deeply. Matt you and yours are like family to us and we love you, we miss you when we are apart and always look forward to seeing you and yours. One day we will have a family reunion that will never end. Keep the Faith, trust in God, please know that we are praying for you and that we love you!
Roxanne & Ron Cunningham
from Melbourne, Fl wrote on June 9, 2024:
When we first met Kristal and Matt we knew they were special and hope to become great friends. Matt became our Pastor and Kristal was a loving wife, Matts right hand until her illness. She will be greatly miss by us and the church Matt serves in. Kristal we will see you again on the other side, in heaven with the Lord. We know you are watching down on us. Heaven has a blessed angel.
Charise Lee Parker
from Rockledge wrote on June 9, 2024:
From the moment I met Kristal, her love for the Lord shone brightly. Her knowledge of the Word of God was extensive; she often quoted memorized passages of Scripture during Sunday school. Now, her knowledge of the Word is made full as she rests in the presence of her Lord.
Larry and Julie Matthews
from Dayton Ohio wrote on June 8, 2024:
Dear Matt Joshua and Caleb
We’re so very sorry for the passing of your beloved wife and Mom. There are no words we’re sure to adequately express our grief with you . We do pray the Great physician and healer of our hearts will comfort all your family now as only He can. We look forward to being reunited with her and you in glory.
Our deepest condolences, Larry and Julie
Kristin Doty
from Melbourne wrote on June 8, 2024:
The Lord only gave me a short time with Kristal, but I loved my time talking with her. I will miss her beautiful face for now, but look forward to worshiping with her in glory.
Michelle Mccartan
from Melbourne wrote on June 8, 2024:
June 8 , My heart goes out to Kristal 's family will be praying for her family 🙏 through this Will see her again she was child of God . I will miss her but she in better place and I will be there soon to join Kristal 🌹❤️ she has lot of love for her family and friends Her love for the Bible and Jesus I am So honored to have met her.
Susan Boone
from Palm Bay wrote on June 8, 2024:
Rest on sister, rest on. Jesus, whom have we in heaven but thee? ❤️ "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints". Look forward to seeing you again.
Eric Wenseritt
wrote on June 8, 2024:
My heart goes out to Kristal’s family; Matt, Josh, Caleb, along with her parents Dave & Teri. Kristal was a role model as a wife and mother, always ready to serve as a Godly woman. I remember her being so knowledgeable about the Lord and the Bible. Her house was impeccable and she loved her family & friends. Elia and I enjoyed our time together and sharing our faith. God willing, we’re all going to join Kristal soon when our Lord returns. Maranatha
Dennis Harrison
from Palm Bay wrote on June 8, 2024:
Kristal was a very loving wife, mom, daughter, sister and who dearly loved the Lord Jesus Christ.
We look forward to the day when we will see Kristal again, along with our loved ones who loved Christ.
What a glorious day that we be.
Born June 4, 1971 in Kankakee, Illinois