Rose Simpson

Rose Givens Simpson, a retired Social Security Administration clerk, died of pancreatic cancer Oct. 20 at her daughter's home in Diamond Bar, Calif. The former West Baltimore resident was 97.

Born Rose Givens in Baltimore and raised on Caroline Street, she was a 1932 Dunbar High School graduate.

During World War II, she worked at the Curtis Bay Ammunition Depot. She later worked at the Social Security Administration's downtown location in the Candler Building. She retired from its Woodlawn headquarters.

She also had a catering business and was a caregiver to her family and neighbors.

Mrs. Simpson lived for many years on West Lexington Street until moving to California five years ago.

She was a member of Waters African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served on the trustee board, the hospitality committee and the pastor's aid society.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Orleans Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1303 Orleans St.

Survivors include a daughter, Shirley White of Diamond Bar; three grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. In 1945, she married LeRoy Simpson, who died in the 1960s.

jacques.kelly@baltsun.com