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.