Deaconess Mae Bell Simpson Cruel

Deaconess Mae Bell Simpson Cruel, 88, of Greenville, South Carolina,, departed this life on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the home of her daughter. She was the daughter of the late Albert Simpson, Sr., and Luegenia Gwinn Simpson.

Deaconess Mae Bell Cruel attended Sterling High School and retired from the Domestic Industries. She joined Mountain View Baptist Church at an early age where she served as a Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Baptist Training Union Teacher, Secretary of the Women’s Missionary Union, Member of Circle #2, Intercessory Prayer Team, and Sunday School Superintendent. Deaconess Cruel was active in her community; she volunteered at the Southernside Community Center, sang in the Billy Graham Crusade, attended community meetings and rallies, and was a member of the NAACP.

She was an energetic, thoughtful, loving and caring person. She was devoted to her God, family, church, and community. She was truly a prayer warrior.

Left to cherish fond and loving memories are: her husband, Homer Odell Cruel, of Greenville, SC, five daughters, Brenda Ann McCrary, of South San Francisco, CA, Joyce Victoria Cruel, Chrystal Charmaine Williams and Althea Panchetta Cruel, all of Greenville, SC, and Minister Rosalind Octavia (Elder James, Sr.) Rabb of Powdersville, SC; one son, Marcus Odell Cruel of Greenville, SC; ten grandchildren; twenty-nine great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Thompson and Bobbie Mobley, both of Greenville, SC; one brother, Albert (Leola) Simpson, Jr., of Greenville, SC; three sisters-in law, Effie Mae Simpson, Peggy Simpson and Patricia Simpson; a son-in-law, Willie McCrary; a daughter-in-la, Gwen Cruel; a brother-in-law, Irvin Thompson; her spiritual grandchildren, Pastor Stacey and Jacqueline Mills; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Deaconess Mae Bell Cruel was preceded in death by two grand-children, Chris Bonaparte and Tamiko Craig; four brothers, William Simpson, Bishop Alfred Simpson, Arthur Simpson and Joseph Simpson.