Jo Angelia Simpson

Jo Angelia Simpson served as an instructor of sociology at St. Philip's Community College in San

Antonio, Texas for 15 years. She is currently an adjunct instructor at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jo is a member of Zion Global Ministries in Cincinnati and is founder of PalmTreeWoman Project.

Jo's Admission: "I did not read about this caregiving phenomenon initially. I read about the cancer condition to equip myself with knowledge and research any bit of hope for a cure. But admittedly, I did not read anything about being a caregiver. I had witnessed others in the role, but ironically did not associate myself with them. Yet as my responsibilities increased over time I instinctually did some things that I now find - as a result of this project- were the right things to do. Much has been written and researched about how to care for the sick, disabled, and terminally ill. As I explore this topic I will share with you resources I have found to be helpful. I never made a conscious decision to be a caregiver - I just saw needs and wanted to make things better for my loved ones. My research and reflection on this topic has given me the revelation has been that from day one in February 2000 - when cancer became our diagnosis - I became an informal caregiver!"

In July of 2011 Jo married Mr. W. C. Simpson whom she describes as her "Blessing from God for my obedience to Him". He has been best friend, encourager, and "the wind beneath my wings". They are currently members of Zion Global Ministries under the leadership of Pastors Freddie and Marsha Piphus. In addition to service to others, the Simpsons enjoy traveling in their RV, riding motorcycles, and attending sporting events.

As a mother, the joys of Jo's heart are her children Taliferro Neal, Jr (Clarissa); and daughter Kimberly Marie Benford Johns (Karl) and her family. As a grandmother, Jo is known as (GaGa) to Raizel (10), Sabryia (8), and SaVaughn (5), and a newborn Tayla Marie (2).

Family and close friends describe Ms. Simpson as a woman with a generous heart, a joyful spirit and a sense of humor. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4: 6-7; "Be anxious for nothing but in everything through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, make your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God that passes understanding will guard your heart and your mind through Christ Jesus."

Until the day we die we will have problems and challenges. Caregiving requires you to adapt and change with the situation with flexibility; and a resilient spirit allows you to recover, to “bounce back” from difficulty. Resilience is crucial because change is constant. It doesn’t mean you won’t have negative feelings about life changes - Resilience is a matter of choice that requires practicing thoughts and actions that help you to press forward and endure tough times.