Iris Jane (Simpson) Arant-Kittrell

Iris Jane Simpson Arant-Kittrell passed away on November 12, 2021 at the age of 88.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 19 at 3:00 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Orangeburg with Reverend Fred Buchanan and Reverend Zach Farmer officiating. 
Visitation will be one hour before the service in the sanctuary of the church. Burial will be immediately after the service at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens on Columbia Road. 

Iris was born in Sycamore, Georgia on August 27, 1933 but spent the rest of her life in South Carolina. Her parents were John Algernon Simpson and Jewel Boroughs Simpson of Gray Court, SC. She was predeceased in death by her husband Vance Kittrell; her parents; a sister, Joyce Simpson Horni and her husband, Edward Horni of Asheville, NC; a brother, Hassell Algernon Simpson and his wife, Grace Pow Simpson of Hampden-Sydney, VA; and stepson, Jerry Vance Kittrell. 

Iris is survived by daughters Cindy (Powell) Wilson of Fairfax, VA and Mary Beth (Frank) Myers of Orangeburg; a son, Steve Arant of Orangeburg; grandchildren Sterling (Catie) Wilson, Meredith Wilson, Grace Myers, and David Myers. 

Iris graduated from Gray Court-Owings High School and then attended and graduated from Winthrop University. After moving to Orangeburg, she taught high school English at Orangeburg High School. She then received her master’s degree in Librarianship from the University of South Carolina. She was the librarian/media specialist at Belleville/Howard Middle School for many years. During that time, she went on to earn her doctorate in education from South Carolina State University. Also during her years as an educator, Iris was a founding member of the honorary educational sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa, Alpha Zeta Chapter, where she served in local and state offices.

Iris was also active in Friendship Force International both hosting groups from abroad and traveling to many different countries. She and her late husband also enjoyed traveling all around the United States. Iris was a long-time member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Orangeburg and served in many different areas and ministries of the church.  

In retirement, Iris became an accomplished artist, working in acrylics, watercolors, and oils. She enjoyed painting right up until her death and enjoyed sharing her paintings with others. 

The family would like to graciously thank the compassionate nursing staff of the ICU of The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and all the caring staff and employees of The Legacy of Orangeburg (formally Morningside).

Memorial gifts made be made to either of the following:

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1356 Amelia St, Orangeburg, SC 29115 or to Orangeburg Part Time Players (The Bluebird Theater) PO Box 1291, Orangeburg, SC 29116.

Pall Bearers are Steve Arant, Frank Myers, David Myers, Powell Wilson, Sterling Wilson.

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