Gloria Jean Kershaw Klipple, a devoted mother, brilliant educator, and the cherished matriarch of her family, passed away on September 23, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born on February 10, 1930 to James and Connie Kershaw, Jean was raised alongside her sister, Jeanette, in a loving and supportive home. A brilliant student from the start, she graduated as the valedictorian of Bay City High School, embarking on a lifelong journey of academic excellence. She earned her bachelor’s degree as an English major from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and later received her master’s degree in English Literature. Her passion for learning brought her to the precipice of a doctorate, having completed all coursework for her PhD except for her dissertation.

Jean shared 60 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, Eugene (Gene) Klipple, until his passing in 2013. Together they built a beautiful life centered around family, creating a warm, loving, and nurturing home for their three daughters – Barbara, Carol, and Diane.

A dedicated educator, Jean taught high school English for 40 years, inspiring generations of students and winning numerous awards for teaching excellence. She retired from teaching in Waco, Texas, at the age of 70, leaving behind a profound legacy in the classroom.

Outside of her professional life, Jean was a woman of many talents and passions. She was a voracious reader, and she strove for excellence in every aspect of her life. An exceptional cook, her kitchen was the heart of family gatherings. She was famous for her comforting lasagna, perfect Tollhouse cookies, and legendary pumpkin chiffon pie. Jean was also a gifted storyteller. She loved writing children’s stories for her grandchildren, and her original tales of “Toby” and “Blue Catfish” were deeply beloved by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She also loved antiques and spent many happy hours looking for just the right antique tea cup or vase.

She treasured nothing more than her family. Every visit, phone call, and thoughtful note from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was a precious gift that brought boundless joy to her heart.

Jean was a shining role model to all who knew her. She was selfless, hard-working, generous, and fiercely kind. She possessed a strong sense of right and wrong, always anchoring her family with her supportive and attentive nature.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Connie Kershaw, her beloved husband, Gene, her granddaughter, Kathleen French, her son-in-law, Mark French, her brother-in-law, James Stewart, and her nephew, Greg Stewart.

Her legacy of love lives on through her surviving family. She is survived by her sister, Jeanette Stewart, her three daughters – Barbara Isbell (James), Carol French, and Diane Rountree (Robert). She is also survived by her grandchildren – Steve Rountree (Jill), Courtney Mills (Ian), Catherine Parker (Jonah), Rebecca Shepherd (Josh), Christy Isbell, Brian French (Dar), and Lauren Walker (Jordan).

Her memory will be cherished by her 16 great-grandchildren – Wyatt, Paisley, and Weston Parker, Piper and Reese Shepherd, Kirsten French, Preston Applegate, Fasai and Katie French, Dawson and Scotty Walker, William, Audrey, and James Rountree, and Ariella and Eliud Mills. She is further survived by her niece, Kelly England, and her great-nieces, Ashley and Emily England.

Her love and strength and the wisdom she shared will live on in the hearts of her family forever. Her memory is a blessing and a comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Graveside services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City with Chris Webber officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.