Nancy May Gibson passed peacefully to her next life on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by her loved ones.
Nancy was born on April 10, 1951, in Centralia, Illinois, to Charles Jackson and Florence May (Shaw) Melton. She attended Centralia Township High School and spent her lifetime in southern Illinois as a mother and homemaker.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Jerry Gibson of Centralia, Illinois; her daughter, Dawn DeKalb and husband Kevin of Centralia, Illinois; her son, Jeremy Gibson of Joplin, Missouri; her sister, Martha Evischi of Wamac, Illinois; her brother, Dennis Melton of Acworth, Georgia; her grandson, Dustin DeKalb and girlfriend Stacey Woodrome of Centralia, Illinois; her grandson, Dakota DeKalb and fiancée Jenna LeBlanc of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; and several loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and other chosen family members. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Gary Melton; sister-in-law, Wanda Melton; and brother-in-law, Val Gene Evischi.
Nancy was a lover of all animals, especially her cat, Sissy, and dog, Sammy. She loved watching hummingbirds and other animals that scurried around her lawn. She was an avid reader and was rarely seen without a book in her hand. She often found herself buying used books that she had already read because she read too many to remember. She had taken a recent interest in quilting and enjoyed seeing the craftsmanship of other quilters. They were often her inspiration in creating her own designs which she loved to assemble and give as gifts to her loved ones. Nancy was always ready for her another trip to Branson, Missouri, and enjoyed visiting theaters to see shows, local restaurants for meals far too large for her to finish, and shops for souvenirs.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Little Grove Cemetery in Walnut Hill, Illinois, where Nancy wished to rest with her other family. In the spirit of Nancy’s love of animals, Disney characters, and bright colors, the family asks that you incorporate this into your attire as a way to honor her. Nancy’s nephew, Pastor Kent Jackson, from Family Life Church of Mt. Vernon, Illinois will officiate. In lieu of flowers, those so inclined may make donations to the family to assist in the covering of funeral expenses or may choose to donate in Nancy’s honor to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association and they may be accepted by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home at 134 South Elm Street in Centralia, Illinois, 62801. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, or share memories with Mrs. Gibson’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net.
