Ellien Janet Simpson-Moone

Eat good food. Buy the good coffee. Hug your people. Love without judgement, but know when to walk away. Sing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs, even if you can’t sing. That’s what Lien Moone taught all of those who knew her during her 53 years of life. 

Lien Moone was born February 12, 1970 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. After being brought back to the states by her dad, BT Simpson, she was raised in Statesville by her dad, mom, Ellen Helms Simpson, along with her sister Krissy and brother Jason.

Lien graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a degree in political science. After graduating college, Lien moved to Seoul, South Korea, where she taught adult English classes. 

After returning to the states, Lien worked as a crisis case manager at a domestic violence shelter, before working in restaurant management, where she met her friend and caregiver, Leslie Edwards.

Whether she was living with her daughter, Audrey, in Hilton Head, Nags Head, Hickory, or Wake Forest, Lien and Leslie remained close friends, living together over the years while raising their kids together. 

When she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2021, Lien’s resolve to face every challenge head on only grew over time. She endured two years of chemotherapy and radiation while working as a program manager with Goodwill Industries up until the last month of her life.

Lien leaves behind a legacy of joy, love, and really great food. She is survived by her daughter, Audrey Dae Moone (Jordan); her friend Leslie Edwards and godchild Hart Rudd; parents BT and Ellen Simpson; sister Krissy Hardy (Tom), and Jason Simpson (Kendra); nieces and nephews, Will, Rob, Mary Beth, Cole, and Collier. 

Family and friends will hold a memorial service for Lien in Greensboro later this year. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to 1 of Us. 

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