Renee Simpson Yokum

August 24, 1961 - January 19, 2020

Renee Simpson Yokum, a resident of Elkins, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020 in the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after suffering a brain aneurysm. She died surrounded by her loving family. She was 58 years old. Renee was born August 24, 1961, the third child of Ronald Watkins Simpson and Billie Sue Wensel Simpson. A 1979 graduate of Bruceton High School, Renee spent many of her formative years in the Bruceton Mills community before moving to Elkins in 1995. Since 2001, she worked tirelessly as a Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Specialist with Women's Aid in Crisis. During her career, it is estimated that she provided direct service to over two thousand victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking and human trafficking. She was a founding member of the Randolph County Sexual Assault Response Team/Stop Violence Against Women Team and she was widely recognized for her fierce advocacy on behalf of survivors. In private, Renee was devoted to her family, especially her eleven grandchildren. In her spare time, she relished in camping and swimming along the Cheat River, cheering on the Mountaineers and taking annual beach trips with her family. She was a member of the Orlena United Methodist Church. She will be remembered for her servant's heart, her faithfulness to God and her calming and playful spirit. Renee is survived by her husband, John Wade Yokum of Elkins; her daughters, Jessica Clegg Markley and husband Brian and Casey Clegg Snider and partner Jay of Fairmont, WV. Also surviving is her step-daughter, Amanda Yokum Marcum and husband Lance of Elkins; step-son, Shane Yokum and partner Stephanie, Elkins; grandchildren, Makayla, Abigail, Madison, Rhea, Landon, Rylee , Peyton, Kaden, Lyra, Brayden and Amelia; father, Ronald Watkins Simpson, Bruceton Mills, WV; brothers, Larry Renn Simpson and partner Heather, Bruceton Mills and Randall Wensell Simpson and partner Becky of Morgantown, WV; sister Rhonda Sue Wagner and partner Steve of Bruceton Mills and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Billie Sue Simpson. Friends may call from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. On Friday, January 24th she will be moved to the Orlena United Methodist Church where friends may call from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm the funeral hour. Pastor Paul Thompson and Rev. Vicki D. Sheppard will officiate and cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are made to the Randolph County Children's Advocacy Center, PO Box 627, Elkins, WV 26241 or Youth Health Services, 971 Harrison Ave., Elkins, WV 26241in memory of Renee. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Renee Simpson Yokum. Condolences maybe expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.