Mary Emma Gibson

Emma played piano professionally in her family’s ballroom dance band that toured all over Ireland, and later helped her parents manage “Liserin,” their guest house in Belfast, N. Ireland. She came to visit her sister in Ogden, Utah in 1965, and met James G. “Jim” Gibson II, who was stationed at Hill FB there. Thy fell in love and were married on April 21, 1966 Their first son, William James, was born in Ogden in 1967.

Two more sons followed William. Gordon Michael was born 1968 at Dover AFB, Delaware, and Joseph Ward came along in 1972 while they were stationed in the Philippines. In 2001, They adopted their fourth son, Alfred Rugema, from Burundi, Africa, who they met at Holy Family Catholic Church while he was in Abilene attending ACU.

Emma lived in Abilene for four decades with Jim, and they have been long-time members of Holy Family Catholic Church. Over the years, Emma volunteered in various service capacities, and for a while managed the Abilene Petroleum Club.

She is survived by her husband, four sons, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a sister, and many nieces and nephews still living in Ireland. Emma was an extremely kind-hearted, generous person who never met a stranger, and she will be deeply missed by her family and many, many friends far and wide. Rest easy dear sweet Emma.

A visitation will be from 6:00 – 7:30 PM Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church, with Father Frederick Nawarskas officiating.