Joy Ash Gibbs

JOY ASH GIBBS is at home with the Lord. Born Feb. 23, 1929, to Margaret and Harry Ash, she resided with Hugh Gibbs, her husband of 47 years, in Houston, with brief stops in Camp Pendleton, CA, and Amarillo, TX, before moving to their final destination. Joy was proud to be a fourth generation Texan and native Houstonian. She attended St. Agnes Academy and the University of Houston, but considered herself an honorary Aggie. She began her professional career teaching elementary school at St. Anne Catholic School and St. Agnes Academy. She left education to work as an office administrator and later joined her husband in establishing Cinco Construction Company. In addition to raising five children, her most fulfilling career was grandmothering, a job she relished. Joy, a consummate storyteller, leaves a legacy of perseverance through adversity. An independent spirit, she showed her keen sense of humor and love of life until the end. The happiest times of her life were spent in the Texas Hill Country, especially on the Frio and Nueces where she shared her love of nature, beauty, and adventure. She is survived by her children: daughters Catherine Albritton and husband, Ford; Anne Hamilton and husband, Brett; Ria Gibbs and fiancé, Brian Hall; daughter-in-law, Linda Gibbs; and son, Dan Gibbs and wife, Paula. She is also survived by the loves of her life - her 11 grand-children and 7 great grandchildren. Joy is preceded in death by Hugh and their son, Guy. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of the staff members at Holly Hall. We are indebted to those who cared for Joy as her condition worsened, especially Houston Hospice, the doctors and chaplains at Methodist Hospital, the ministers of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church and St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. A Celebration Eucharist of Joy's life will be held on July 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holly Hall Retirement Community, 2000 Holly Hall St, Houston, TX, 77054, or Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, 77030.