Patricia Ann Simpson

Patricia Ann Simpson, lovingly known as “Ann,” was born on September 22, 1945, in Flat Top, Alabama, to the late Bessie Clayton and Willie Morris Simpson.

During her early years, Ann lived in Alabama and Pittsburgh, PA before settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where she graduated from John Hay High School in 1963.

Ann began her career with the City of Cleveland; Division of Waste Collection in 1970. She often jokingly said that she “hired and fired garbage men.” Throughout her 36-year career, she took pride in helping many men in her family gain employment opportunities. She was especially proud that her cousin, Rod Weatherly, completed his career and retired from the division. Ann was known for her strong work ethic, straightforward nature, and low tolerance for nonsense. She retired from the City of Cleveland in 2006.

In 1979, Ann married Floyd DeWitt Yarbrough, and from this union their daughter, Sagé DeWitt Yarbrough, was born.

Ann took tremendous pride in being a devoted daughter to her mother, Bessie, ensuring she always had everything she wanted and needed. She loved entertaining family and friends and was known for throwing unforgettable parties filled with love, laughter, and joy. She proudly passed this gift of hospitality and celebration on to her daughters.

Affectionately known as “Auntie Ann” by countless children whose lives she touched, Ann was a source of wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support. Her strength of character, generous spirit, and deep love for family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Ann leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Tomiko Moton (Clark) and Sagé Yarbrough-Rucker (Ronald); grandchildren, LaVysia Richmond, Celine Yarbrough, Ronald Rucker II, Cathy Rucker; great-grandsons, Leyland Walker Jr and Denim Ammons; brother, Michael Clayton; niece and nephew, Lauren and Robert Clayton; best buds, Joyce Clayton and Roderick Weatherly; and cousin-brothers, Erby and Hawthorne “Hoppy” Conley, along with a host of extended family and dear friends.

Though she will be deeply missed, Ann’s legacy of love, resilience, generosity, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

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