Plummer – Jolayne Simpson of Plummer, fell asleep in Jesus on January 30th, 2018 after loving her Lord for 69 years.
“In an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For it will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be transformed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Open Arms Christian Fellowship in Thief River Falls.
Jolayne Helen Greenwald graced Howard Carl and Margaret Elizabeth (Jaeger) Greenwald with her presence on August 8, 1948 at Thief River Falls. They had her baptized at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Plummer, but later Jolayne chose to be baptized as a Seventh Day Adventist in 1980.
Jolayne attended Pershing High School in Plummer and graduated in 1966. She attended one year at the U of M in Minneapolis. She then attended ECPI in Minneapolis and graduated with a degree in computer programing.
On March 23, 1968 Jolayne embarked on the journey of a lifetime and married Charles Simpson at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Brooks. They made their first home in Minneapolis where she worked at Control Data until Chuck was discharged from the service. They continued to live in Minneapolis and Jolayne worked for the Minneapolis Public School System.
Finally! They moved to the farm near Plummer in 1973 and then into Plummer in 1975 where they raised their 3 adorable children: Tracy Jo, Mindy and Patrick. Chuck waited until the kids had all moved out before they finally built a new home south of Plummer in 2003. The Meadow is the sanctuary they have called home since.
Jolayne loved a lot about life. She was always active in her church community. There was never a church or school event going on that Jolayne wasn’t helping with. Family was so important to Jolayne. She was always the biggest supporter of her kids and grandkids. Gramma Jo took time to teach her grandkids how to bake, sew and crochet. But most importantly, how to love Jesus and family.
Jolayne made some special memories on her trips to the Colorado Mountains to ride horse. She loved her horses and her miniature donkey, Chachi (Tommer). Really, she loved all animals and said the only thing she couldn’t tame was Chuck. Jolayne also loved winning at bingo especially when Chuck paid. There is no doubt that she passed the love of horses and Jesus on to her family.
Gramma Jo spent her last couple years working as a Para for preschool at RLCC Elementary school where she got to be Gramma to lots of kiddos. Jolayne always had a big heart and hands to help where ever there was a need. She was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, Pathfinders Club, Chip Program, the Lions Too and the Plummer Saddle Club, just to name a few.
Jolayne is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Charles, of Plummer; children: Tracy Jo (Ryan) Peterson of Bismarck, ND, and their children, Rylee Jo and Faith; Mindy Juhl of Bismarck, ND, and her children, Baron (Kendra) and Alea; and Pat (Joanie) Simpson of Plummer, and their children, Kara, Heather, Skylar and Nevaeh; siblings Sharon (Rodney) Wayne of Goodridge, Rick (Bonnie) Greenwald of White Bear Lake, Michael (Sandy) Greenwald of Plummer, Monte Greenwald of Aurora, CO, John (Mary) Greenwald of Bloomington, along with many nieces and nephews.
Jolayne is preceded in death by her parents Howard and Margaret Greenwald, granddaughters Megan and Lace.
Memorials are suggested to “The worthy student fund” at Dakota Adventist Academy. Jolayne valued Christian education, feeling that life needed to be more than “good enough.” She went to work and stayed working to support her kids and then her grandkids in their schooling at DAA. We can support her legacy by supporting her goals. Dakota Adventist Academy – 15905 Sheyenne Circle in Bismarck, ND 58503.
The whole Simpson family wants to say a huge thank you to all the friends, family and the surrounding community for all of the love, prayers, food and support. You all have let your light shine brightly.
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