Daphne Simpkins is an acclaimed Alabama author and speaker whose work centers on the profound experiences of caregiving, aging, and memory care, deeply informed by her lifelong role as a caregiver and her Christian faith, inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan. With a distinctive voice that blends empathy, insight, and Southern storytelling, she has authored several notable books on caregiving, including The Long Good Night: My Father’s Journey into Alzheimer’s (Eerdmans), a poignant memoir chronicling her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. This was followed by What Al Left Behind (Quotidian Books, 2015), a reflective follow-up that explores the transformative lessons of caregiving, offering encouragement to caregivers navigating dementia’s challenges. Her collection Blessed: Stories about Caregiving (Quotidian Books, 2018) celebrates the diverse facets of caregiving, from child-rearing to eldercare, emphasizing its blessings and societal value. Additionally, Simpkins authored Classic Birthdays of 20th Century Popular Culture Creators (January-February-March and April-May-June editions), memory care books designed for activity directors and caregivers to spark reminiscence and engagement in assisted living and home settings.
Beyond her writing, Simpkins is a sought-after speaker with the Alabama Humanities Alliance, delivering dementia-friendly lectures that resonate with caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community groups. Her talks focus on fostering understanding and connection through storytelling, drawing from her caregiving experiences to provide practical insights and emotional support. These presentations, tailored for accessibility, align with her mission to uplift and educate those touched by dementia.
Her essays and short stories have appeared in prestigious publications such as The Chicago Tribune, The Atlanta Constitution, The Miami Herald, and The Christian Century. She also writes the beloved Mildred Budge series, exploring Southern church life, with titles like The Bride’s Room often weaving caregiving themes into fiction. To book Simpkins for speaking engagements or learn more, follow her on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
Daphne Simpkins is an acclaimed Alabama author and speaker whose work centers on the profound experiences of caregiving, aging, and memory care, deeply informed by her lifelong role as a caregiver and her Christian faith, inspired by the parable of the Good Samaritan. With a distinctive voice that blends empathy, insight, and Southern storytelling, she has authored several notable books on caregiving, including The Long Good Night: My Father’...
