Carole Arena Simpson Davis

Carole Arena Simpson Davis

February 13, 1942 – April 23, 2025

Carole Arena Simpson (née) Davis, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on April 23, 2025, in West Chester Township, Ohio, surrounded by her family. Carole was born in Louisville’s historic Smoketown neighborhood as the oldest daughter of the late Sallie Ruth and Archie Lee Simpson. She was a National Honor Society student and a 1960 graduate of Louisville Central High School.

Carole worked at the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant in Charlestown, Indiana, and Tube Turns Inc. in Louisville before becoming one of the first group of women hired at the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant as a member of UAW Local 862.

Carole, who was an avid reader, had a charitable heart and loved to learn about history, which ranged from the Bible to politics, biographies and geography. Among her many fun activities was traveling, including attending the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. In 2023, she relocated to Ohio from Kentucky to be closer to her daughter, Angela.

Besides her daughter, Angela (David) Davis Goodwin, Carole is also survived by son, Kirk Edward (Carlene) Davis; sisters, Shirley Williams, of Rockville, Maryland, and Cheryl (Richard Sr.) Watkins; a grandson, Jalen (Corinne) Goodwin; a granddaughter, Leah Goodwin (Quinton) Gale; two great-grandsons, Kadence and Kassian Goodwin; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and a circle of friends. Carole was excited about her granddaughter Leah expecting her first baby, a girl due in October.

A private service for Carole will be held at the family’s request.