Yorktown- Marian Lee Williams Franklin Simpson, 83, passed away on June 7, 2019. Marian was born in Johnson City, TN and was Peninsula resident since 1966. She retired in Jan 1995 with 32 years of Federal employment having served the last 25 years with the Social Security Administration.

In April 1955, Marian was married to Eugene D. Franklin of Bristol, TN. They were the parents of two children (Jeanne & Jimmy). Capt. Franklin was killed in Vietnam in June of 1965.

Marian and children later moved to the Peninsula and she worked at Fort Monroe, where she met her second husband, James R. Simpson. They were married in 1969 and he became a good “father” to the two children. She loved to travel and play golf. A favorite trip was to Scotland, where she and Jim played several famous golf courses, including St. Andrews. (She got her only Eagle (ever) on the 16th hole in Carnoustie)

As a member of St. Andrews’ Episcopal Church for many years, she was an active Charter Member in the JoAnna Chapter of the Order of the Daughter’s of the King. She served as a volunteer receptionist also served on the Altar Guild, Circle 4 and was a member of the Cursillo movement.

Marian was a 48+ year member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority (Alpha Kappa Master Chapter). She served all positions of officers and chaired all committees during her many years in sorority.

Over the years, Marian volunteered and was active in many organizations. She was a charter member of the Warwick Ladies Golf Association and was also a past member of the Fort Eustis Women’s Golf Association as well as the Cardinal Clippers.

Marian participated in many school activities, e.g. PTA, Band Parents, Brownie Leader, etc. During her time as an Officer’s Wife, she served as Vice President of the Presidio of Monterey Language School, (CA) Wives club, served on the Nursery Board and published the Newsletter.

Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in April 2005, also, her first husband, Capt. Franklin; her parents, James Montague and Mary E. (Johnson) Williams; her sister, Evelyn and her brother, Vincent.

She is survived by her children, Jeanne F. Hampel (David) of Bristow, VA and Jim W. Franklin (Kathy) of Leesburg, VA; grandchildren, Allison Hampel, Dana Hampel Lumpkin (Justin); step-grandchildren, Jay and Garrett Baltzer; great-grandchildren, Parker Dean Lumpkin and Scott Eugene Lumpkin.

Family was the most important thing in her life, except her Lord and Saviour!

The family would like to thank Personal Touch Hospice, especially Dawn and also the Hospice House in Williamsburg for making our mother comfortable to the end.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, 2019 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Newport News. Internment of the ashes will be private at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Andrews Memorial Fund, 45 Main Street, Newport News, VA 23601, the Peninsula Food Bank or the SPCA.

Cremation Society of Virginia-Newport News assisted the family with arrangements.