Barbara Jean Gibson

Sitting down to write this story at the puzzle table, one sees a glassy lake she loved so that on her way home for the last time she chastised the ambulance driver for not taking the lake road, permitting her a glimpse of the lake through the back windows. Such an act is expected. But the story does not begin there.

Barbara Jean Larabee was born May 29, 1929, in a town called Flint. Michigan, as was the rest of America, was feeling the weight of the depression. She was one of 8, all of whom would be given to relatives to raise, save her.

She was raised in a unique environment in the 30’s and 40’s with a hard-working independent mother mostly on her own. A mother who was a woman of some renown being the founding Treasurer of the Flint Service Federal Credit Union. Barbara’s strength drew from this stout stock as she would go on, as we understand, to be the first woman promoted to Line Inspector with General Motors at the Flint Truck and Bus plant. These two women, Barb, and Georgia had many life adventures.

They purchased 6 lots in Cadillac, Michigan on Lake Mitchell and in order to develop them, leveled over 120 cubic yards of topsoil by hand using stiff rakes. Together they raised 3 children, which influenced the lives of many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Georgia set the pace living into her 98th year. Barbara lasted into her 94th century. However, her health struggles and successes at advanced ages were simply remarkable. She lived with COPD for over 50 years, survived multiple major surgeries and cancer in her late 80’s and earlier 90’s and we are somewhat surprised God took her when He did. Eve Haught, Daughter (Les), Timothy Senter, Son (Chris) and Matthew Gibson, Son (Janet), 10 grandchildren and many great grandchildren survive her, but more than that, Barb was an inspiration for our lives.

The lake. We began her story here and we should end here as well. The house that now sits where an open beach and private recreation area used to be, was Barb’s dream. She achieved it as the century turned. When calling her weekly, the report always included how the lake was that day, calm, a few people fishing (a whole host of stories alone), angry waves – or even frozen with a fish shanty was part of the report. Her family can regal you with skiing, boating, swimming, and fishing stories. She could park a boat on a hoist like no other. If you want to learn more about Barb, learn of her passion for the lake.

She gave her passion for the lake to most of her children and some of her grandchildren. They have their stories with her and are now developing their own. From Sloppy Joe starters, an avocado a day to chicken burrito’s, Barb has made her mark in her lake home.

We were privileged in many ways to call her mom. She gave us life, living, strength, tenacity, and memories.

Goodbye Mom. We love you.

A visitation for Barbara will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hill Funeral Home - 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI, followed by her funeral service at 12:00 PM. She will be laid to rest at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery in Mt. Morris, MI.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfh.com for the Gibson family.