Obituaries: Gibson, Ethel Irene

Ethel Irene Gibson, 86, of Bloomington, and formerly of Downs, died at 3:15 p.m. Friday, March 06, 2015 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

A family burial and service will be held in Rogersville, Tennessee at a later date.  Cremation rites have been accorded by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Humane Society of Central Illinois, 403 Kays Drive, Normal, Illinois 61761.

She was born August 26, 1928 in Morristown, Tennessee, a daughter of Joe Walker and Fannie Woods Brooks.  She married William Gibson Jr. on April 5, 1946 in Johnson City, Tennessee.  He preceded her in death on June 21, 1996.

Surviving are two sons, William Joe (Judy) Gibson and Jimmie Wayne Gibson, both of Bloomington; twelve grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews in Tennessee.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Patsy Ann Gibson Saylor in 1991; a brother, Wilbur Freeman; and two sisters, Myrtle Campbell and Lucy Jones.

Ethel worked for many years at McClelland’s Dime Store in downtown Bloomington and retired from Reed Atlas Auto Parts.  Ethel’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center for their compassion and care.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com

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