Joylyn Simpson passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Amarillo, TX at the age of 77.
Upon graduation from Crowell High School, in Crowell, TX, she attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.
As a teacher, she recognized the uniqueness of each or her students. She was committed to cultivating a desire in each student to reach their full potential and to develop a lifelong passion for learning.
Joylyn considered herself to have been very privileged to have taught in Crowell ISD, City View ISD, Wichita Falls ISD, Pampa ISD, Amarillo ISD, and St. Andrews Episcopal School in Amarillo. Joylyn taught school from 1986 to 2010. During Joylyn’s teaching career she received the honor of being the 2007 Teacher of the Year at Olsen Park Elementary – Amarillo ISD, 1999 West Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence – Wichita Falls ISD, and 1999 Teacher of the Year at Cunningham Elementary – Wichita Falls ISD. As a teacher in Wichita Falls ISD, she conducted training sessions which included: TEKS Training Session for 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade – Wichita Falls Language Arts Teachers; and TAAS Reading Training Session for Cunningham Elementary Teachers – Wichita Falls ISD. She served on various school committees which included Site Base Committee – Olsen Park Elementary – Amarillo ISD; United Way Campus Coordinator – Olsen Park Elementary; Leadership Committee – Pampa ISD; Academic 2000 Panel – Pampa ISD; English Vertical Team – Pampa ISD; AP Vertical Team for 3 years – Wichita Falls ISD; and Language Arts Textbook Advisory Panel – Wichita Falls ISD. Joylyn’s school activities included: 5th grade Crossing Guard Sponsor, Destination Imagination Co Team Manager, School mentor for 2 years, Cunningham Elementary Student Council Chair for 3 years, Cunningham Elementary 5th and 6th Grade Radical Reading Program Coordinator for 3 years, and UIL Coach.
After 24 years of teaching and having the privilege of being a part in the life of each of her students, Joylyn retired and became a full-time volunteer. Her volunteer activities included Big Brothers and Big Sisters; being a school mentor; nursing home activities; and helping in a food pantry.
Joylyn was a member of the Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, TX. Her favorite hymns were “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Because He Lives”.
These are special thoughts of encouragement that were important to Joylyn:
• If everyone did one good deed a day, what a different world it would be
• We should see with our heart, not just with our eyes
• The things you do to help others at Christmas shows kindness, but it’s the Christmas things that you do all year round that mean the most
• When you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine
• Your hands and feet should work each day for Jesus
• Just remember, if you wouldn’t want it said or done to you, then don’t say ir or do it to anyone else
• A great person is someone who helps others become great
• God blesses us so we can help others
• Always be sure that others can see Jesus in you
• Time with a grandchild is the nearest thing to Heaven on earth.
A funeral service was held July 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Crowell, Texas.
