Betty June Gibson

Betty June (McPherson) Gibson Passed into eternal life on January 12, 2008 at the age of 80. A tall, elegant lady, Betty lived her life with a proud and independent spirit. She was an engaging person with an earthy good humor, a kind heart, a great ear for music, and a shrewd eye for any pretentiousness. Her character is evident in her legacy, her four children, all of whom were with her in her final days. "Mommy" will be missed by her son Roger Gibson and his wife Patrice who shared their hearts and home with her in her illness; by her son Douglas (Butch) Gibson and his wife Arlene; by her daughter Deborah Neal; and by her son Charles Gibson and his wife Jona. Grandma Betty always had something for her grandchildren when they visited and is dearly loved by Terre Gibson (and Jacqueline), Kai Gibson, Charles Gibson (and Shoney), Jennifer Simon, Kathy Gibson, Camille Fowler (and Charlie), Marissa Gibson and Chad E. Gibson; and six great-grandchildren, Mikaela, Jamison, Myran, Ajhea, Khalil, and Roc Gibson. Betty is also survived by her sisters Jeanette Haley and Harriet James and brother, Cota Rice. Born in Santa Barbara, CA, on April 8, 1927 to Harriet and James McPherson, Betty spent most of her life in Oakland, where she married twice and gave birth to her four children. Her accounting skills served her well throughout her career at the Bank of America and the Girl Scouts of America. Betty's family is grateful to her kind and competent caregivers from Kaiser Hospital and Hospice. As we mourn Betty's passing, let us celebrate her life and be reminded of her whenever we see a graceful gesture, enjoy a good laugh, glimpse through the superficial to the heart, and see in others an example of her independent spirit. Betty lived life her way. So when we listen to jazz, let's raise a glass to a life well-lived by a woman well-loved. Betty, Mommy, Grandma Betty, Momma, you will be missed...until we meet again. Friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 1 pm at the Chapel of the Chimes on 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, CA 94611.