Ammanuel "AJ" Jonathan Simpson

n Loving Memory of Ammanuel “AJ” Jonathan Simpson

Ammanuel “AJ” Jonathan Simpson, beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend, passed away on Aug 5, 2016 at the age of 24.

His life was not always an easy one. He faced struggles and hardships that were sometimes difficult for those who loved him to understand or know how to help. He made choices that took him down difficult paths, and at times he became distant from his family. But through all of those struggles, one thing never changed—he was loved. His family never stopped loving him, and he will always remain a part of their hearts.

Before life became so difficult, there were many moments that showed the person he was at his core. He loved to fish and could spend hours enjoying the peace and freedom of being outdoors. He had a funny side and a natural ability to make people laugh, often when they least expected it. Those who knew him best remember not only the struggles he faced, but also the boy and young man who could bring a smile, who loved the people in his life, and who carried a quiet tenderness that would sometimes shine through.

He leaves behind his parents, Tonia Williams and Matt Simpson; his siblings, Destiny Shaw, Mario Muñoz Jr., Ivy Erickson, MaLeena Muñoz-Davison, and Kade Williams; and many other family members and friends who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Mary and Robert Simpson, who loved him very much and are now reunited with him.

There will be no formal funeral service. Instead, his family will honor his life in a way that feels most meaningful to him—by carrying his remains to some of the places he loved most and laying him to rest surrounded by the beauty and memories that brought him peace.

We will remember the hard times, but we will not let them be the whole story.

We will remember the laughter.

We will remember the fishing.

We will remember the little boy who once gave his mom a key and said, “This is the key to my heart.”

And most of all, we will remember that underneath all of life’s struggles was our son, our brother, our grandson, and someone who was deeply loved.

You were loved then. You are loved now. And you always will be.