Alma Peoples "Gail" Gibson

ALMA "GAIL" PEOPLES GIBSON, A former resident of Houston for 33 years, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2007 at Gracy Woods II Nursing Center in Austin, Texas, where she had received attentive and loving care for several years, for which her family will be forever grateful. Gail was born July 27, 1934, in Dallas to Alma Lilly Langford Peoples and Fred Shaw Peoples, both of whom had preceded her in death. Gail is survived by her husband of more than 54 years, Jerry Gibson of Austin, and by their daughter, Sallie Gibson Holmes, son-in-law Paul Holmes and grandchildren, Andrew and Caren, of Silver Spring, Maryland; and by their son, Greg Gibson, daughter-in-law Gretchen Gibson and grandsons Connor, Cameron and Tyler, all of Austin. Also surviving her is a sister, Marilyn Gaulden and her husband Gary, of Houston, Texas, and niece and nephews, Christy, Mark and Matthew; and a brother, David Peoples and his wife Anamaria also of Houston, and nephews Scott and Sean. Gail is survived also by her Langford cousins and their families who are scattered throughout Texas; and by Jerry's brother, Jim, and wife Jo of New Boston, Texas and sister-in-law, Glenara Gibson of Palestine, Texas and deceased sister-in-law's husband, Paul Haas of Dallas, and many Gibson nieces and nephews. Gail attended North Dallas High School where she made many friends and continued to have close relationships with a large number of her former classmates over the years. Following graduation in 1951, Gail was employed by Magnolia Petroleum Company (now Exxon Mobil) where in 1952 she met Jerry. After a "whirlwind courtship" they were married the next year on April 11, 1953, at Dallas' First Methodist Church. They built their first house in northwest Dallas in the mid-1950's and were charter members of nearby Lake Highlands Methodist Church, where she was active in the church nursery and Sunday School. She made new friends both in the church and in the neighborhood, and maintained many of these friendships through the years. In 1960, Gail and her family moved from Dallas to Darien, Connecticut. While living there, she made many more lifelong friends with neighbors and at church where Gail taught Sunday School. She was a girl scout leader and enjoyed family activities including ice skating on the lakes in the winter, going to the local beaches in the summer and rural road trips to see the leaves change to bright colors in the fall. In 1966, the family moved to Houston to be closer to aging parents. Gail quickly became active at Houston's Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and later being in charge of the Children's Program. Later, she and a close friend started a Bible Study Fellowship program at the church. Her greatest joy, however, was assisting in the church's pre-school program where she was devoted to nurturing three and four year olds. In addition to church activities, Gail was immediately at the side of any friend or relative who needed help, including one inner-city family she assisted for over 25 years. Gail had a love for animals (including family petsfour dogs, one cat and a horse over the years). She enjoyed being outdoors, taking Texas country road trips in the spring to see wildflowers in bloom, waterskiing on vacation trips to Lake Travis, taking walks and gardening. Over the years she had many hobbies including sewing, quilting, painting and playing the piano. Gail adored her grandchildren and enjoyed doing craft projects with them, reading to them, playing games and taking them on fun trips. Gail and Jerry's marriage was one long honeymoon. Always each other's best friend, they were close and loving companions throughout life's journey. Gail was known for her special gift with children, her devotion to her family and friends, her love of life seen in her sparkling blue eyes and dancing smile, and her deep faith in God. Some time ago Gail (and Jerry) chose to donate their bodies to medical research. There will be a memorial service celebrating Gail's life at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas on Saturday, June 16th at 12:30 pm in the Wildwood Chapel. Anyone desiring to do so may make contributions in memory of Gail to your local Alzheimer's association, to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston 77079, or to any other organization of your choosing. Austin-Peel and Son Funeral Home 607 E. Anderson Lane Austin, TX. 78752