Carolyn S. Gipson

She is survived by her children, daughter Marci Henna and husband Louis, daughter Kit Viehbeck and husband Al, and son Colin Gipson. Other survivors include her brother, Jim Crisp and wife Belinda, and sister Penny Wheat and husband Mike (Buck), and grandchildren Elizabeth, Patricia, Dustin, Katy, Lauren, Karly, and ten great- grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jules Gipson, son Michael Gipson, brother William (Butch) Crisp, parents J.C. and Marie Crisp, and in-laws Max and Opal Gipson.

Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, her family later moved to Henly in the Texas Hill Country. In 1956, she graduated from L.B.J. High School in Johnson City. A few years after her marriage to Jules, they moved to Darijani, Kenya and lived in the bush where he managed a medical research station. Carolyn greatly enjoyed her time there and continued to exude courage and a spirit of adventure wherever their travels took them afterward.

When they finally settled on the family ranch in Blanco County, she embraced rural life through gardening, canning, and ranching. After Jules’ death in 2002, she continued to run the ranch and exhibited great tenderness for her cattle. Once, while pulling a breach calf, the rope broke causing her to break her wrist when she fell. Her concern was for the well-being of the cattle over her own. Additionally, she worked for the Johnson City hospital as a bookkeeper and then later for Guardian Title in Blanco.

Carolyn taught her children to love reading and the value of a good book. Always a voracious reader, she was a devoted volunteer to the Johnson City Library and the Blanco Library for years. During her final years at Brookdale Lakeway Assisted Living, she received an award for her service as librarian.

She was an avid crafter who loved to crochet. She created many Afghan blankets and scarves for loved ones and friends alike. She was artistic in nature and enjoyed using color to express herself.

Her adventurous spirit, compassion for others, passion for learning, and encouraging nature will surely be missed.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 a.m. in Austin, Texas. All those wishing to attend, please email Marci at [email protected] for directions.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Blanco Library or to your local hospice.