Joseph Simpson took his last breath in a tragic shooting that took place in Soulsville, Memphis, on Saturday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 18.
The Memphis Police Department (MPD) reported that officers responded to a call at 8:14 p.m. at College Street and Ferry Court, near Chandler Park’s basketball court.
When they arrived, Joseph was found shot. They rushed him to a hospital in critical condition; however, sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.
Joseph Simpson is survived by his parents, Theodore Simpson and DePhaney Fulliove, and siblings.
His father, Theodore Simpson, heartbroken over the loss of his son, said, “To be honest with you, we are not holding up very well.“
Theodore received a devastating phone call informing him that Joseph had been shot and was lying on the ground. He urged the callers to contact the police and ambulance immediately.
A recent graduate of Trezavant High School, Joseph was involved with his church. He had even met former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, a moment captured in a photo his father proudly mentioned.
Above all, just two days before the shooting, the Simpson family was celebrating a birthday together.
Theodore said with grief, “There are so many times that he has made us all laugh. You know, unfortunately, now we’re all crying. So we are going to really miss him; he was well loved.“
Sharing a picture of Joseph on Facebook, Theodore penned just a few words that carried everything he was feeling and held so much: grief, gratitude, and more.
My God Thank you for the time with him .
Theodore Simpson
Whereas, his mother, Dephaney Simpson, took to her Facebook to share a couple of his pictures, writing:
I am sooo speechless and lost for words my son is gone and ain’t coming back the worst pain Ever.
Dephaney Simpson
Joseph’s family has created a GoFundMe campaign to help with burial expenses.
During this difficult time, we offer our condolences and pray for the strength of Joseph’s parents, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Joseph Simpson!
