Jean Gibbs-Simpson

Services for Jean M. Gibbs-Simpson, 75, Lawrence will be held 1 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2011 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.

She was born Dec. 20, 1935, in Leavenworth, the daughter of Roy J. and Ruth M. Yates. She graduated from Eudora High School in 1955 and attended the University of Kansas. She previously lived in Staff Village, Eudora and Olathe. She had lived in Lawrence since 1955.

She worked for 30 years at Haskell Institute, then Haskell Indian Junior College, spending many years in the president’s office, and finishing her career as the director of admissions and records. She was an avid bridge player, accomplished piano player, and a well-known collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia. She was an officer of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club International, serving two years as its president; and she co-founded the club’s Kansas City-based Mid-America Chapter. She was a former treasurer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, where she was a member.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Edward Simpson of Lawrence; son, Stephen Gibbs of Lawrence; daughter, Kembry Gibbs of Meriden, and formerly of Lawrence; and first husband Donald Gibbs.

She is preceded in death by her parents; infant son Lynn Gibbs; and brother, Rene Yates.

The family will receive guests from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

The family suggests memorial contributions in her name to the Jefferson County Humane Society, Valley Falls, KS or Humane Society of Your Choice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
 

10 Condolences

  1. jennifer franklin on October 25, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    Kembry, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom..she was such a wonderful person. And yes, I still remember her after all of these years. She was always so kind to me. Hugs to you my friend..
    Jennifer



  2. Sherry Wealthall on October 26, 2011 at 1:03 am

    I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss! I was one of the PCA’s that spent several evenings with Jean while she was at LMH. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sherry



  3. Faye Johnson on October 26, 2011 at 8:48 am

    Kembry,

    I wanted to let you know that I am keeping you close to heart and extending my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother.
    Take Care,
    Faye



  4. Matt Price on October 26, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Dear Stephen, I send you my sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. I have fond memories of her from the many good times that Lori and I shared with you so long ago on LaSalle Street. All my best to you, Stephen, during this sad time. -Matt Price, Houston, Texas



  5. Dana Petereson on October 26, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Dear Ed and Family

    I was sorry to hear about Jean;s passing.
    I have been thinking abut you two lately wondering how you all were doing.

    She will be missed greatly!! Always had a smile and Hello for everyone she saw at the Coke Conventions.

    My prayers are with you and the kids that this time of mourning.

    Love, Dana



  6. Rita Carter on October 26, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Ed, Steve & Kembry,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Jean was a great lady and will be missed.



  7. Julie Hedges on October 26, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Dear Ed and Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of Jean’s passing. I did pet sitting for you several years ago and I remember her being a very sweet person. You will be in my thoughts.

    Julie Hedges



  8. Janet Mundy, Anna Kelly & Denise Caffey on October 27, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    My mother, sister and I send our condolences to the family. My mother, Anna (Norris) Kelly, is Jean’s cousin. The last time my mother and I saw Jean was during a trip to KS several years ago. We had a mini-family reunion at the Lorance residence. Love to all, Janet



  9. wendy janca on October 28, 2011 at 8:31 am

    Kembry, i’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. You all are in my prayers.



  10. Jackie simpson on October 28, 2011 at 9:28 am

    To the family of Jean Gibbs-Simpson and uncle Ed, me and the kids are thinking about y’all during this time. She was such a sweet woman. Take care and we love u!!!



Leave a Condolence