Norma June Gibson was born May 23, 1934 at home in rural Lamar County to Richard Wheeler and Opal McDougal Wheeler. She was better known as Honey her entire life because of a quip by her grandfather when he first saw her in the cradle. He said, “Well, isn’t she a honey?”
She attended Lone Star School in Novice back when times were what people of her age called the good old days. Rode a horse to school along with her cousins on some days. The school is long gone now. She went on to attend Paris High School and graduated in the early 50’s.
She married Arthur Gibson May 31, 1952 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They lived the Air Force life for 4 years then settled in Lamar County and eventually Red River County. Together they raised 3 children- Pam George, Terrie Shelby and Tommy Gibson. He preceded her in death 21 years ago.
Lived simply…loved big!
During her life she was a stay at home mom part of the time. She worked as a factory worker operating a sewing machine for Hollywood Vassarette for many years. She retired from her job as a sales associate at the jewelry counter in Walmart. Whatever she did she gave 100% and went by the motto, “If it’s worth doing it’s worth doing right.”
Honey is survived by her daughter Pam George and husband David from Sulphur Springs, TX, daughter Terrie Shelby and husband Billy from Detroit, TX, son Tommy Gibson and wife Tracy from Sumner, TX.
Also 6 grandchildren:
Brandon Shelby and wife Jennifer from Sherman, TX., Brett Shelby and wife Ardra from Tyler, TX, Alicia Gibson from Paris, TX , Rebecca Stanley from Sulphur Springs, TX Joshua Gibson from Sumner, TX, Justice Iltis and wife Brittany from Reno, TX, as well as 7 great grandchildren: Will Shelby, Charlie Shelby, Nate Shelby, Reagan Shelby, Aaron Lucas, Sullivan Lamb and Cate Iltis.
Honey raised her children in church and most recently placed her membership at Chisum Trails Cowboy Church. Heard her say many times in these last several years, “Your daddy would have loved this church.”
What a legacy!
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM Saturday, April 10, 2021 in the Chisum Trails Cowboy Church with Rev. James McLeod officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery with Brandon Shelby, Brett Shelby, Joshua Gibson, Justice Iltis, Billy Shelby and Jimmy Melton serving as pallbearers. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
For those desiring to donate to a charitable cause, in memory of Mrs. Gibson, in lieu of flowers, please include this link https:giving.younglife.org/s. To keep the donation in Lamar County enter Area TX35.
