a. Evangeline Vangie Gibson

A. Evangeline "Vangie" Gibson, age 90, a longtime Atoka, OK resident. She was born on Wednesday, August 31, 1932, to Joseph E. and May Matilda (Myers) Gibson, at Peoria, OR.Vangie entered Heaven's gate on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 where she heard "well done thou faithful servant" a life of dedication to God. She graduated from High School in Upland, Indiana in 1951. Then she attended Fort Wayne Bible College where she had the privilege of going on choir tour in many states as well as singing in a trio on weekends in the tri city area performing for churches. After this she attended Asbury College, now a university in Wilmore, KY graduating with a BA in Religious Education. She then worked as a Missionary with "Go Ye Mission" headquartered in Tahlequah, OK teaching scripture memory work in rural public schools. She also had the privilege of sharing Jesus with incarcerated teenagers, helping small churches with bible studies and organizing Bible Schools for children. As a result, she led many young people to the Lord. After working with the Mission, she attended East Central University in Ada, OK where she received double Masters Degrees both in different areas of special education which prepared her for her life's work in education. She loved her students as her own children which has been reflected in their lives throughout the years. She taught Special Ed in Thunderbird School in Atoka, OK for 21 years. AFter retiring from public school, she taught 19 more years at Faith Christian School (which later became Victory Life Academy) in Atoka, OK working with Kay Holly, Administrator, who has been such a support and encouragement to her. This was the "Joy Of Her Life." The greatest blessings were the many trips taken by Sandra, Vangie, Donna and family friend, Mary to Apodaca, out of Monterrey, Mexico. We worked with the Mexico Mission, taking many trailer loads of clothes, supplies and furnishing financial aid to help build churches, mainly "The Upper Room" which Miguel and Silvia Martinez built and pastored. These trips were orchestrated by God as we felt His protection and guidance! Music has always been a big part of Vangie's life, playing first chair trumpet in the school band, (she loved playing the trumpet for hours with her sister on the piano, being told that in the summer they were heard all over the little town they lived in, and seemingly no one complained as near as we know?). Being involved in choir tour was a dream come true and she also taught herself to play the piano and organ, which she enjoyed playing at New Zion Church for more than 60 years.
Vangie is survived by her younger sister, Donna Carter of Kingfisher, OK; friend and caregiver, Sandra Rice of Atoka with the support of her sister, Nancy Smith who was such a wonderful help; nieces, Lanelle Martin and husband Robert of Poteau, OK, Lyn McGee and husband Ray of Hilo, HI, Lori Bilbruck and husband James of Tamassee, S.C.; as well as 12 great nieces, nephews, 30 great great nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
We especially want to thank Rebecca, the director of Accentra for all they have done and are doing, and the many friends and colleagues, not only from New Zion, but from Atoka and the surrounding areas who have shown so much love and support! You will never be forgotten!
Vangie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and May Matilda (Myers) Gibson; older sister, Theresa Shaw.
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DATE OF SERVICES: Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 2:00PM
PLACE OF SERVICES: New Zion United Methodist Church, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Rev. Richard Cox and Sandra Rice
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS 6-8PM FRIDAY AT NEW ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATION MAY BE MADE TO NEW ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK