Marilyn Gipson

Marilyn was born in San Luis Obispo in July 1943, and passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, in San Luis Obispo, where she had been with family for the past seven weeks. She graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in June of 1961 and married Clark Gipson in September of that same year. They lived briefly in Marysville and Sacramento. After having raised their two children in La Mirada, Calif., returned to the Central Coast in 1988. Marilyn had been in the public eye ever since she was in junior high when she was active in student government. This continued through high school, where she was involved in drama and directed several plays. During the early years of their marriage, her primary purpose in life was raising their children. She was actively involved in the various interests of her children, taught Sunday school and participated in various community fund drives, including the Cancer Society. She held almost every board position available in PTA, including president. Under her direction, Eastwood Elementary in La Mirada had maximum program participation in 1971 to 72, where most meetings were "standing room only." That same year she received a special award of "High Excellence" from the local Council of PTA. This active involvement continued to be an important part of her life as she watched her grandchildren grow. She rarely missed any of their sporting or musical events. Most recently she was seen at the San Luis High''s Homecoming game. Marilyn was the "game girl," and family get-togethers always included some type of creative game to keep things festive. She enjoyed spending holidays with family and traveling with friends. After returning to the Central Coast, Marilyn worked at Cal Poly and just recently retired from Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande, where she worked and worshipped for 15 years. She had many close and special friendships, including her relationship with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He sustained her throughout her life and particularly through her 11-year battle with colon cancer. Marilyn is remembered by her daughter, Stephanie Paul (Ric); son, Stephen Gipson (Michell); sisters Betty Tamo (Louie) and Marty Cramer (Craig); grandchildren Stephen and Samantha Gipson and Darren, Karissa, and Davis Paul, all of San Luis Obispo; and granddaughter, Jaclyn (Gipson) Hoover (Chris) of Irvine, Calif. There will be a viewing from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, at Marshall-Spoo Funeral Chapel, 1239 Longbranch in Grover Beach. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Grace Bible Church, 100 Rodeo Dr. in Arroyo Grande. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Hospice Partners of the Central Coast or the Hearst Cancer Resource Center at French Hospital. Marshall-Spoo 489-5552 Grover Beach