Obituary: Melanie Lynn Simpson

Melanie Lynn Simpson, age 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.

Melanie was born in Hamilton, Ohio on Oct. 31, 1951 to Harry C. and Mary Margaret “Margy” Deaton, completing the family of a young WWII veteran and his devoted wife. 

Along with her two older brothers Michael “Mike” and Mark “Bo,” they grew up in a loving, happy home in Fairfield, Ohio, where family, patriotism and their Christian faith were all important. There were so many fun memories of family vacations, army reunion trips and weekend outings. Melanie enjoyed singing and made many lifelong friendships in her youth.

Graduating from Fairfield High School in 1970, she began her career at Mosler Safe Company in Hamilton, where she would ultimately meet Louis Simpson, Jr. Their daughter Maggie was born in 1983. Melanie would eventually continue her career at Northrop Grumman/Xetron, working in human resources, where her kind personality and warm smile was often the first to welcome new hires and make everyone feel welcome. Many of her co-workers would become extended family.

The most important part of Melanie’s life was her family, whom she loved so much and was so dedicated to. Not a holiday or birthday would go by without her delicious cooking, in a home filled with love and her ability to make everyone feel special. She also had several nieces and nephews who meant so much to her. She lovingly took care of her brother Bo during his battle with Multiple Sclerosis, and not a day would go by that she wasn’t sharing laughs and visiting with her sweet big brother Mike. Her beloved daughter Maggie was her world, and they were truly best friends in the most precious mother-daughter bond. Additionally, Melanie had the blessing of becoming a mother figure to several of Maggie’s friends, who all adored their “Momma Mel.”

Melanie sadly suffered a brain bleed in 2019, which led to multiple health challenges, including fully losing her mobility and developing heart and kidney problems. Despite the pain and needing extensive care, Melanie kept her optimism and charmed the medical staff with her laughter and warmth. She never let her circumstances stop her from looking at the bright side of life; she loved listening to her gospel music, discovering new songs by her favorite singers Bruno

Mars and Charlie Puth, and watching her favorite game shows. Her bravery during her health struggles are inspiring and incomparable. She defied all odds, outliving all the estimates of reduced life expectancy due to her multiple health issues. When her body finally needed its rest after such a brave six-year fight, she passed away peacefully at home with her daughter by her side. Her beautiful, loving spirit will never be forgotten, and she will be missed unmeasurably.

Melanie is survived by her beloved daughter, Maggie Lynn Simpson, of Fairfield, Ohio, and her brother, Mike Deaton, also of Fairfield. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Jennifer

Vanselow Shirah, Courtney Piatt Revling and her husband, Jon Revling, Walker Revling, Gabe Rowland and his wife, Sofia Lamboy Rowland (and their daughter, due in December 2026) and Richard, Carrie, Logan, Loren and Rian Deaton. Further, she is also survived by many dear cousins and friends.

The Deaton-Simpson family wishes to also thank her phenomenal care team for their unwavering dedication to her: Dr. William Mauntel and Nurse Practitioner Megan Houser, as well as Cardiac Nurse Practitioner Kelly Valen and her assistant, Chrissy, of the Heart Failure Clinic of Mercy Heart Institute; Nephrologist Dr. Ritche Chiu and his assistant Karen, and Hematologist, Dr.

Evan Lang. Additionally, the family gives special thanks to the entire team at Summit Home Care, especially Megan Ferri and Danielle Howard, who became like family.

Melanie was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brother, Bo Deaton, her Sister-in-Law, Rosenda Deaton, and her Nephew-in-Law, Christopher Shirah. Family and friends are welcome to say one final farewell to Melanie at Avance Funeral Home, 4976 Winton Road in Fairfield, on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026 from 5-7p.m., with a service immediately following the visitation. She will be missed by so many every day, but she is now completely healed and resting peacefully with her Lord Jesus. Melanie truly was the kindest person, and all of our lives are richer for having had her be a part of them.

This obituary was originally published by Avance Funeral Home.