Modell Gibson

Melba “Modell” Flowers Gibson, 90, of Elkins, formerly of Pettigrew, went to her forever home on Friday, December 1, 2023. She was born June 11, 1933, in Springer, Oklahoma to Ruben Frank and Bertha Faye Jones Flowers. At the age of 14, Modell married Billy Joe Gibson Sr. on January 11, 1948, in Glendale, Arizona. In 1956, they moved their growing family to Grants, New Mexico. Then in 1961, after their youngest son was born, they loaded their family into a single cab truck and moved to the mountains of Witter, Arkansas, where they bought their farm. She retired from the St. Paul School District where she worked as the cafeteria manager. She devoted her life to her husband, children, and many grandchildren. She loved the Lord with all of her heart, and it was her hope that all of her children and grandchildren pursued a relationship with Him. She enjoyed family gatherings, which were often held at her home, and at most gatherings she would have everyone hold hands, say the blessing, and go around the circle counting to see how many family members were there. She loved singing gospel songs, playing cards and dominoes, and cooking for her family. Modell was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years; her parents; three brothers, Jim, Bill, and Leroy Flowers, and one sister, Norma Jean Flowers. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Dean Gibson and Jerry Gibson; one grandson Bobby, and one great-grandson, Cameron. She is survived by her six children, Sue Parks and husband, John; Joe Gibson and wife, Netta; Lynn Williams and husband, Gary; Barbara Lacy and husband, Ray; Ron Gibson and wife, Eva; James Gibson and wife, Lynn; and daughter-in-law, Linda Gibson. 20 grandchildren, Tommy, Larry, Brian, Xan, Becky; Bucky, Jennifer; Shane, Sarah; Carlton, Amber; Chad, Chris; Levi, Lindsey, Lacey, Ethan G.; Jamie, Holly, Dustin; 37 great-grandchildren, Brandon; Mason; Gavin C.; Kayle, Garrett; Taylor, Gavin G., Liam; Kelcie, Cailyn, Aniston; Jordan, Kristen, Curtis, Karlee, Caynan; Gracie, Abbie, Trevor; Cassie, Anthony, Nichelle, Nicki, Jon Michael; Ethan S., Rowan; Bo, Kenzie, Layla; Laney S., Sadie, Cade; Alli, Emry; Riley, Sutton, Peyton; and 18 great-great-grandchildren, Wyatt G.; Koral, Roper; Zoey, Raylynn, Wyatt S.; Tinslee, Cambrie, Grayson; Emery, Ezra, Corbin, Thea, Edwyn, Adaline; Laney K., Skyla, Roman; as well as many other cherished family members and friends. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Full Gospel Church in St. Paul, Arkansas with Mickey Evans officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Private interment will be at Cove Cemetery. Cremation is entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Modell Gibson

June 11, 1933 - December 1, 2023