Eunice Simpson: O.J. Simpson's Mother's Life & Death

05 May, 2025

Did the life of Eunice Simpson, a woman who remained in the shadows while her son basked in the glare of fame and controversy, truly define resilience and unwavering maternal devotion? The life and legacy of Eunice Simpson, the mother of O.J. Simpson, is a testament to a life lived with quiet dignity, marked by both triumph and tragedy, and forever intertwined with the complex narrative of her famous son.

Eunice Simpson, born Eunice Durden, lived a life anchored in family and community. As a former nurse's aide at San Francisco General Hospital, she dedicated herself to caring for others. She raised her four children in the Potrero Hill housing projects, overlooking the old shipyards of San Francisco Bay. Her world, far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, revolved around the simple realities of life: work, family, and the nurturing of her children.

Her son, O.J. Simpson, achieved remarkable success as a football star and actor. Yet, he was also a man embroiled in controversy. Through it all, Eunice remained a steadfast presence, a source of unconditional love and support. She was a constant in his life, from his early days in the Bay Area to the heights of his professional career, and even during the turbulent times that followed.

Eunice Simpson's death, which occurred on November 9, 2001, in San Francisco, marked the end of an era. She was 80 years old. Her passing, from natural causes, brought to a close a life dedicated to family and community. Her funeral and burial at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California, provided a moment of reflection on the life of a woman who, despite the shadows cast by her son's notoriety, had lived a life worthy of respect. Eunice was remembered by her family as a selfless, generous, and devout mother who held her family together through crisis.

Born in Louisiana, she carried with her the warmth of the South, transplanting it into the bustling city of San Francisco. Her early years in Rodessa, a former boomtown, may have shaped her values of family and community, which she carried throughout her life.

Eunice's story is a complex one, a story about motherhood in the face of great adversity. Her role extended beyond the familial, as she offered support and guidance to those around her, and her community. The life of Eunice Simpson, while largely out of the spotlight, reminds us that strength, love, and resilience can be found even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Category	Details
Full Name	Eunice Durden Simpson
Date of Birth	October 23, 1921
Place of Birth	Louisiana, United States
Date of Death	November 9, 2001
Place of Death	San Francisco, California, USA
Cause of Death	Natural Causes
Age at Death	80 years
Nationality	American
Education	Unknown, but she worked at San Francisco General Hospital
Occupation	Nurse's Aide, Hospital Technician
Known for	Mother of O.J. Simpson, testified on his behalf in the 1995 murder trial.
Husband	Jimmy Lee Simpson
Children	O.J. Simpson and three other children
Burial	Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California
Residence	Bayview, San Francisco, CA
Related To	O.J. Simpson, and her family
Reference Link	Find a Grave

Eunices life story speaks volumes. The early years were marked by the challenges of raising a family in a working-class neighborhood. She took pride in her work at San Francisco General Hospital. She was married to Jimmy Lee Simpson. The exact details of her personal life remain somewhat mysterious, a testament to her private nature. Despite these challenges, she maintained a home filled with love and instilled in her children the values of hard work, family, and community.

Eunices unwavering support of her son, particularly during his high-profile trial, revealed her inner strength and devotion. Her presence in court, her testimony, and her steadfast defense of her son underscored the deep bond between mother and child. She was a constant presence at his side.

In the end, Eunice Simpsons legacy is one of quiet dignity and enduring love. She was a woman who faced adversity with grace, raised her family with care, and stood by her son through the most difficult of times. Her life, though lived largely out of the spotlight, leaves behind a remarkable testament to the enduring power of motherhood and family.

Her roots in northwest Louisiana, particularly Rodessa, a former boomtown in Caddo Parish, gave her a connection to a part of America far from the glamour of the West Coast. The community formed a backdrop for the life of Eunice Simpson, a life lived with dedication and steadfastness.

Eunice and Jimmy Lee Simpson had four children: O.J., and three others. One can only imagine the life lessons she passed to her children, including one of the most recognizable figures of the 20th century. Her guidance and support were undoubtedly critical in shaping his life.

Her marriage in 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana, started the long, intricate journey that would culminate in her being a cornerstone of the family through the triumphs and trials. She was the daughter of a chef and bank custodian.

Eunice Simpsons story is, at its core, a tale of motherhood. It illustrates how she instilled values in her children, and offered her support and guidance through the tough times. She also, through her actions, left a legacy of parental values and the importance of holding a family together, even when faced with overwhelming challenges. The values she held close helped shaped the lives of those around her, especially that of her son.

In San Francisco, in the year 2001, Eunice Simpson closed her eyes for the last time. In her passing, she left behind a life defined by her family, service to others, and unwavering strength. Her story stands as a reminder of the power of the human spirit.

Image of Eunice Simpson, mother of double murder defendant OJ Simpson

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O. J. Simpson and Mother Eunice in 1994. Credit Ralph Dominguez

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Arnelle Simpson, center, holds her head while her grandmother Eunice

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