Jean Williams

Jean Williams was a generous and loving woman who viewed caring for her family to be both her highest calling and her greatest gift. She was independent and strong willed, yet was always positive. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they find comfort in knowing she is with her Lord and Savior. Jean will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Jean was a firm believer in working hard – not so much for her own benefit, but for the benefit of others. She was never one to be idle and was a stylish lady. She was outgoing and friendly, and she could always find common ground with anyone. Jean was completely devoted to her children and spending time with her grandchildren was was a blessing in her life. Jean could often be found with her nose buried between the pages of a book, but it was the moments she shared with those she treasured that always brought her the greatest joy.

It was during the decade that became known as the “Roaring Twenties” that Cecil and Cora (Hoogesteger) Krapp welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jean Virginia, on February 6, 1925. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jean was an only child until their family was expanded by the birth of twins Roger and Shirley. The family lived on the west side of the city. Her father was a tool and die maker while her mother was a homemaker and later worked at Buttercup Bakery. Jean went to West Leonard School and later graduated from Union High School where she was a member of the ROTC. After graduation, she went on to work at Wurzburg's as a buyer.

Life forever changed for Jean when she met Bob Williams. He was a young soldier who was home on leave. Bob and Jean were set up on a blind date that marked the beginning of a love story that would span over 50 years. The couple dated for a time and after he was discharged, they married in 1947 in Grand Rapids. The newlyweds moved to Ypsilanti where Bob worked for Michigan Bell and Jean worked at an auto assembly plant and later for the University of Michigan Hospital. While there, the couple was blessed with their first child, Mark.

When Mark was three years old, they moved back to Grand Rapids and settled into a home on Adams Street. They joined Trinity United Methodist Church where the family were active members. Once in Grand Rapids, their family grew to include daughters Susan and Connie. When the children were older, Jean worked at Blodgett Memorial Hospital. The family loved to travel together, often to Daytona Beach for spring break. They took many memorable trips including to Washington, D.C. and Mammoth Cave. The family loved spending time at their cottage on Baptist Lake. Originally the cottage was a one-room structure without running water, but after a few years the cottage was upgraded to a second home. Jean especially enjoyed spending time there as she was a sun worshiper who could spend hours sitting in the sun while watching her children in the lake. Jean made sure that all her children knew how to swim. She was actively involved in whatever her children were doing and highly valued being a homemaker, wife, and mother.

Throughout the years, Jean enjoyed a diverse palette of interests. She was an avid reader who enjoyed both fiction and non-fiction, but especially mysteries. Jean visited many different places through the books she read. When grandchildren arrived, spending time with them quickly became a regular event. Jean was present for many of their school activities and when they visited had “tea parties” that were such special times. She always made time to watch the plays Megan and Bethann put on as well. Friends were always an important part of Jean’s life and remained as such throughout their lives. They got together at times to share memories and catch up on what was currently going on. Jean liked to volunteer in the food pantry at church as she felt it important to help others.

During their later years, Bob and Jean sold the cottage and purchased a condo in Vero Beach, Florida, where they spent the winter months. When Robert retired from the phone company at the age of 57, they liked to traveled to places such as Russia, Europe, England, Hawaii, and on a cruise.

Life was not without challenges for Jean. She was faced with cancer many times and came out victorious each time. Jean was a strong woman who never let cancer get the best of her and continued living each day to the fullest. She was deeply saddened with the death of her husband in 2001. Jean drew strength from her family and her faith during the days that followed. She eventually sold the condo in Florida and stayed in Grand Rapids year round. After visiting her daughters in Colorado a few times, she decided to move there in 2008 in order to be near them.

Jean Virginia Williams formerly of Grand Rapids died on Friday, July 2, 2010 in Westminster, CO. Jean’s family includes her children: Mark (Cathy) Williams, Susan Williams and Howard Hankey, Connie Williams; her grandchildren: Megan Williams and Bethann Williams; her brother, Roger (Doris Krapp); her sister, Shirley Idema; and nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Williams. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Dr. S.E. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Mrs. Williams reposes at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Alt and Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, where relatives and friends may meet her family Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.