Mother Ella Mae Gibson

On Thursday morning, September 21, 2023, the Lord sent an angel and quietly ushered Mother Ella Mae into the place of sweet heavenly rest. The rest she had been singing about for so long. Mother Gibson was born to Johnny and Alberta Powell Hill on April 10, 1917, in Keo, Arkansas. By the age of eight, Mother Gibson's parents had preceded her in death. She and her brothers, Curlee Hill and Willie Calhoun, were taken in and raised by extended family. She is also preceded in death by her husband - George Gibson, Sr; a son- Johnny Gibson, and two daughters- Ella Mae and Anna Gibson.

Mother Gibson married George Gibson, Sr. in 1947 in Sherrill, Arkansas. At an early age, she was baptized at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Altheimer, Arkansas. She united with Solomon Temple Baptist Church in Sherrill, and attended faithfully until she moved her membership to Oak Grove Central Baptist Church. She looked forward to attending church until her health failed. However, she continued praising and worshiping her Lord and Savior. She continually sang His praises until her voice was too weak.

Mother Gibson took great pride in her work as a domestic worker, and she remained a respected figure in her community even after her retirement. She loved caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her home was always filled with the joyful sound of children playing. As a constant teacher, she shared her wisdom and life lessons through her sayings and by opening her home to her family.

When her brother Willie Calhoun suffered a stroke, she insisted he come live with her. She cared for him until his death, showing her unwavering love and dedication to her family. Even when she was weakest, she was still concerned about her granddaughter, Secily, whom she affectionately called her "baby."

Mother Gibson's legacy as a beloved matriarch and caregiver will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness and generosity.

She leaves to cherish her memories one son-George Gibson, Jr.; and four daughters - Ophelia Dedner Jones (Kiril), Autra Lee Dunn (Andrew), Janis Gibson, and Martha Miller. Twenty Grandchildren - Billy Dedner, Meiko Gibson, Kevin Dedner, Stephanie Harris, Anthony Carroll, Sharicka Woods, Cynthia Dedner, Giavanna Gibson, Rodrick Adway, Jennifer Smith, Milton Jones, Jr., Tacarra Goodwin, Johnathan Smith, Eranisha Grant, Shamika Baggie, Ricky Miller, Jr., Courtney Baggie, Portia Jones, Secily Gibson and Terrance Miller; thirty-five great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grand-children, and a host of other relatives and friends.

After visiting Mother Gibson, whenever her family prepared to leave, she always reminded them not to say "goodbye." She insisted they say "see you later" instead. Then, they would always joyfully say, "I love you," and she would respond with "a bushel and a peck and a hug around your neck.

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