Shayla Kamel Simpson, 40, passed away on October 15, 2023. Born February 22, 1983, the oldest of two children to the parents of Muriel Holloway and William Simpson.
Born and raised in Newark, NJ she began her education in the Newark Public Schools system. After moving to Newport News, Virginia in 1999, Shayla graduated from Menchville High School in 2001, and then went on to study sociology at Thomas Nelson College and Hampton University.

Before achieving her Bachelor’s Degree she embarked on her entrepreneurial endeavors beginning with her passion for fashion and jewelry design. Her many interests also included modeling, being a digital content creator, and influencer on social media platforms.

Shayla was strong willed, with a bubbly personality and infectious humor. She was a devoted mother to her children, who loved people, life, and making new connections. She enjoyed Thanksgiving gatherings, and family BBQ’s and reunions. Her laughter, silly antics, and jokes will be remembered, treasured and missed. We will all hold dear the wonderful memories she has given us.

In 2020, Shayla married her husband, Christopher Williams, at the Botanical Garden in Newport News. Blending their family, they went on to raise their beloved children, Leila Simpson, 13, and Kori Williams, 10 months, whom she leaves behind to cherish her memory.

Shayla is predeceased by her grandparents, Edith and Bernard Holloway, and Rosanna and Johnnie Simpson; aunts, Doris “Dee” Holloway and Baseemah Muhammad; uncles, Bernard “Butch” Holloway and Lamont “Monty” Holloway and cousin Raheem Muhammad .

She is survived by mother, Muriel Holloway, father, William Simpson; sisters Tabitha Simpson, Shepel Simpson, Sadatah Hall and Sharmonique Simpson; brothers, Terrance Patrick, William Simpson, Jr. and Alterek Simpson; aunt, Michelle Kelley; uncles, Gerald Holloway and Michael Kelly; niece, Naľkai Simpson; nephews, Nazir and Nouri Simpson; and numerous other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

It’s a Sister Thing

She knows your mind and how it works
She understands your little  quirks,
She lets you know when you’re obsessing,
Help you keep form overstressing,
Shares your memories, takes your side
Keeps the secrets you confide.
Though life may change and moods may swing
She’s always there
It’s a Sister thing!

Come to Me

The Most High saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you
and whispered “Come to Me”
With tearful eyes we watched you,
watch you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands now rest.
The Most High broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.

Shayla is saying:

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path The Most High has chosen for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your  heart and share with me,
The Most High wanted me now
He set me free