Martha Jean Gibson, 89, of Tatum, TX, passed away peacefully on Saturday night, Dec. 31, 2016, surrounded by God's peace, her family, and loved ones at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview. Jean was born July 7, 1927, in Gilmer, TX to the late Oscar and Edna White Riggs. She was the 7th child and baby of the family. She loved that she was named after her mother, but preferred to be called Jean. She lost her mother when she was only 2 years old. She was raised by her father and older brothers and sisters. Jean came from a very hard-working family, spending her days picking cotton, tending farm animals and churning butter. As she got older, she cooked, cleaned and cared for her father as the older siblings left home. Her hard work ethic continued as she became an adult. Jean always worked hard for her family. She was a fighter and always got us through the tough times, making many sacrifices for her children and taking pride in her home and family. Family was Jean's passion and delight. Nothing in life brought her more joy than cooking a big home-cooked meal for her family and watching them enjoy it. Later in life, her grandchildren and great-grandbabies became her world. She loved to spend time with each one, playing dolls or games, or telling them stories of her childhood, spoiling them every chance she got. Jean was a feisty red-head, stubborn and independent, which helped her get through the trials of this life. She was also a fun-loving cut-up that liked to tell stories and jokes to make others laugh. Her favorite hobby was going garage-selling with her girls. She had a very generous heart and would help anyone in need. Jean was an animal lover, especially her puppy dogs. If she saw an abandoned one on the road, it was coming home with her. She was a wonderful mother, loving grandmother and a great friend. She touched many lives in her journey here on earth and she will be missed tremendously, but we know she is now healthy and happy in the presence of our Lord, and probably telling her grand ole stories to any of the saints that will listen.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings.

She is survived by her daughters, Angie Wallace and husband Randy of Tatum, Linda Gray of Tatum, and Virginia Ann Jones of Tyler; son, Rayford Gibson of Tatum; granddaughter, Brandy Rodriguez of Tatum; grandsons, Chris Wallace of Tatum, Ben Wallace of Everett, WA, Rusty Gibson of Tatum, Michael Gibson of College Station, and Trent Jones of Whitehouse; 19 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at Harris Chapel Cemetery near Tatum with Pastor David Baze officiating.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to Jean's team of doctors that lovingly took great care of her for over 20 years. Dr. Sreeman Jampana, Dr. K. Nayini, and Dr. Rama Nayini of Longview. We appreciate the excellent care and love you gave our mother through the years.

"The death of a mother is the first sorrow wept without her" – Author Unknown.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.