Lillian Helen Gibson

.Lillian Helen Kownslar Gibson died on November 12, 2016, at the age of 101. Lillian was born in Electra, TX on July 28, 1915 to Mary Anne Wipff Kownslar and Conrad Kownslar. She leaves us to join her husband Solon Pat Gibson and her beloved son James Conrad Gibson.

She is survived by her loving family: daughter Helen Gibson Worsham and husband Dr. John W. Worsham, grandchildren Lawrence Michael Estefan, Shannon Marie Gibson and husband Michael Fielding Derrick, and Reis Conrad Gibson; great grandson Larson Michael Estefan, her sisters Nell Walker and Mary Swartzmiller, her step grandson John W. Worsham, III, his wife Jennifer Barnes Worsham and their children Louella and Ira, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom meant a great deal to her.

Lillian descended from a great line of ancestors who traveled to America on The Mayflower and others who were among the founders of the Jamestown Colony, and she became a proud member of a pioneering Texas family. The oldest of five children, Lillian grew up on her father’s ranch near Eagle Pass, Texas and then on the family farm and apple orchard in Las Cruces, New Mexico. In Las Cruces High School, she was the star center player on her basketball team. After special selection to attend Business College, she graduated at the top of her class. Her first job was working for the U.S. government civil service during World War II helping to put farmers back to work.

After her two children were born, Lillian held the position of executive secretary to the principal of Woodridge Elementary School for almost twenty years. She received several professional honors and awards recognizing her effective work and caring approach. Lillian spent her life and her career dedicated to helping others. She was a source of love and affection for all her family and friends and her presence enriched their lives. After retirement, she continued to work for many years with several families, helping care for their children, all of whom benefitted from her loving ways and still hold Lillian in their hearts. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Lillian’s family thanks the staff at Chandler Health Care for their seven years of care for her and Vitas Hospice Care, who eased her last weeks. Lillian was a founding charter member of Northwood Presbyterian Church in 1955 and a lifelong member.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Northwood Presbyterian Church, 518 Pike Place, San Antonio, TX 78209. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory are asked to make donations in her name to Northwood Presbyterian Church.