Jean Simpson, age 96, of Marshalltown and formerly of Gilman, died on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at Hawkeye Care Center in Marshalltown. A celebration of her life will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 9, 2017, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Cheryl Ridenour and Pastor Ron Rice officiating. Interment will be at Prairie View Cemetery in Gilman. Jean's family will greet friends prior to her service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Gilman United Methodist Church or to the Gilman First Responders, mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jean's family online at www.smithfh.com. Frances Jean Clay was born the daughter of Leslie Logan Clay and Sarah Marie (Walker) Clay on February 17, 1920, in Hickory Grove Township in rural Jasper County, Iowa. She was raised in Newburg and Gilman, respectively and graduated from Gilman High School with the class of 1937. She was Valedictorian of her graduating class and was a member of the 1935 and 1936 Gilman girls basketball team who played in the state tournament. Jean was united in marriage to Orville L. Walker on September 16, 1939, in Montezuma, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three children: Judi, John and Joyce. They raised their family in Gilman and were members of the Gilman United Methodist Church. Her husband, Orville died on February 16, 1963. She was united in marriage to John Simpson, Sr. on August 25, 1973, in Arlington, Iowa. Jean was employed at General Telephone Company in Grinnell from 1967 until 1982. She also worked for a consignment store in Grinnell. She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, secretary of the Gilman school board, charter member of the Today and Tomorrow Club, and a longtime member of the Gilman United Methodist Church, where she was part of the Evening Circle group and taught Sunday school for several years. Jean's faith and family were her life. She felt blessed with a large family who was very close. Her family described her as their rock, who was always there to provide, comfort, and love unconditionally. She enjoyed collecting antiques, listening to the Gaithers, getting her hair done every week, playing Scrabble, and solving crossword puzzles. She will be remembered for the love of her family, her faith in God, and for being a true friend to many. Jean is survived by her son, John Walker of Marshalltown; daughter, Joyce Walker of Gilman; two grandchildren, Shannon Rierson of Austin, Texas and Jillisa Guilford of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; great grandson, Jude Guilford of Cedar Rapids; brother, Charles Clay of Corydon, Iowa; and step-children, Susan Simpson Ward of Lakewood, Washington, Angela Simpson Walker of San Francisco, California, and Tracy Simpson of San Antonio, Texas. Jean was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville; husband, John Simpson, Sr.; daughter, Judi Rierson in 1966; siblings, Donna Lawrence, Doris Walker, Leslie "Fritz" Clay, and Richard Clay; and stepson, John Simpson, Jr.