Born, September 2, 1921, in East Grand Forks, MN to William and Cora Greenwood and married E. J. Grissom in 1951, all who preceded her in death along with her three brothers and one sister, Harold (Buck) Greenwood, Jerome Greenwood, Marion Dessert, Bennett Greenwood, and is survived by her sister Patricia Brouse. 

Jean attended from 2nd grade on to graduate from an all girl boarding School at Mount St. Benedict in Crookston, MN. After graduation, her first job was in Cudahy, WI as a bookkeeper at Cudahy Packing Plant and then moved to Takoma Washington where she proudly worked at Brown & Haley Candy Co. Jean also had a love of travel, especially by train and while traveling to CA she met E.J her future husband. 

Grissom’s Chapel and Mortuary has been a landmark of the San Lorenzo community since 1957. Established by E.J. and Jean Grissom, the original location of the mortuary was on Hesperian Boulevard but due to local expansion, they were forced to move to make room for a freeway onramp. The location on Lewelling Boulevard opened in 1969 and has served thousands of families of all faiths and beliefs. Even after the death of E.J. in 1980, Jean continued on with their dream until her retirement in 1989 when the current family purchased it. Jean had a life estate and continued to live in the residence at the mortuary. 

Jean loved God and was a faithful Catholic. She attended daily Mass and twice on Saturday. She had a weekly routine of going to dinner with her best friend Mary Gonzales and lunch with her sister-in-law, Jackie Grissom, to the same couple of restaurants where they were well known! Jean was also known by her family and friends for her generosity and love. She loved listening to Andre Rieu, Patsy Cline, Elvis and loved watching old movies like Shirly Temple movies, The Sound of Music, White Christmas and anything with Bing Crosby. 

When Covid hit, Jean and the family decided she needed to have some help and companionship. Her niece Joanie Johnson, (a retired RN) gave up her leisurely life to help find a full-time caregiver. Joanie’s few weeks turned into 9 months! After Joanie’s loving care, Jean’s great grandniece, Jacki Graves, traveled from MN to CA to help her great Aunt Jean. It turned out to be a great fit and Jacki became Jean’s beloved companion. 

Jean celebrated her 100 th birthday with a party at St. John’s. Jean often commented that this was the biggest and best party that they ever had. Soon after her birthday, Jean moved to Bemidji, MN to be close to her sister, Pat. Jean’s niece, Becky Brouse opened up her home so that she and Jackie could continue to care for her. Jean spent her remaining 2 years at Becky’s lively home with Jacki, Sam, Ivan and Jacki’s new baby, Josephine Lisa Jean. Jean adored Josephine and her face lit up every time she saw her! She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family!

Visitation for Jean will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 4 pm to 7 pm at Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary, 267 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo.  The vigil service begins at 6 pm.  Family and friends are invited to gather for the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at St. John's Catholic Church, 264 E. Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo.  A reception will follow.  Jean will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.