The Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors authorized Prince Edward County Attorney Jim Ennis to file a petition with the Prince Edward County Circuit Court, seeking a Writ of Election from the court for a special election to be held Nov. 6 to elect a citizen from Farmville District 101 to fill the vacancy on the board that came as a result of the death of Farmville District 101 Supervisor Howard Simpson.

The decision was made during a special called meeting Feb. 21. County Administrator Wade Bartlett said the person elected would serve the remainder of the term which runs through Dec. 31, 2019.

Simpson, 79, died Feb. 13. His death was announced at the board of supervisors meeting that night following an approximate 10-minute closed session.

“If you have noticed, Mr. Simpson’s seat is vacant tonight, and I’m sad to announce that he just passed away,” said Chairwoman and Farmville 801 District Supervisor Pattie Cooper-Jones.

She said they had gone into closed session to receive permission from Simpson’s wife, Joan, to announce his passing. Following the announcement, a moment of silence was held and Leigh District Supervisor Jerry Townsend gave an invocation.

“Lord, we ask you to be with the bereaved family,” Townsend said. “Pick them up where they’re torn down.”

The position of Prince Edward County Circuit Court Clerk will also be part of a special election Nov. 6 following the retirement of Machelle J. Eppes on April 1.