Deborah Simpson

In Loving Memory of Deborah Tate Simpson

Deborah Tate Simpson, age 72, transitioned on October 19, 2025, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA. She was born on March 9,1953, in Beckley, West Virginia to the late William and Cecilia (Carter) Tate.

In 1971, Deborah married Robert Simpson, and the two were together until 1975 and she continued living her life with Curtis Whitlow, Sr.

She began her employment career at Anton Gardena Elementary School as a lunch monitor while attending school to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and Med Tech. She went on to work in the Nursing field, where she was lovingly known for being a thorough and kind caregiver.

Deborah loved family gatherings where she was able to cook and feed her children and grandchildren. She smiled brightly during those times, and mostly enjoyed sitting around laughing and re-telling old stories after dinner. She inherited her love of cooking from her mother, Cecilia Tate and became known for her famous Macaroni and Cheese, sweet potato pie, and potato salad. You could always count on her food being seasoned to perfection.

In addition to her parents, Deborah was preceded in death by her siblings, Allen, Belinda and Keith Tate.

She was the proud mother of four children, her oldest Lisa Tate, Antonio Tate, Lakisha Whitlow, and youngest Curtis Whitlow, III. Also survived by a host of siblings and in-laws to include Rhea (Ted), Billy (Donna), Drema (Mike), Dwight, Charles, Karen, Vanessa, Kevin (Korona); and a village of loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She exuded strength and independence and valued hard work. She was best known as the protector of the family, a trait and legacy she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Deborah was most known as being strong willed, straight forward and unapologetically herself until she earned her right to rest. Her spirit will be remembered by all who knew her and we will miss her dearly.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 7th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA, where funeral services will be held at 2:00pm with Rev. Walter Clay officiating. Immediately following the service, the family has invited everyone to the Repass at Claude Moore Recreational Center, Multipurpose Room, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling, VA 20164.

Interment will be held on Wednesday, November 12th at 1:00pm at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA.