Winnie Creel Gibbs

Winnie Creel Gibbs’ faith was made sight on Thursday, December 29 ^th as the angels carried her soul to Abraham’s bosom. A celebration of her life will be Monday, January 2, 2017 at 1:30pm at the Highland Church of Christ. A private burial service will be earlier. The children and grandchildren will host a visitation in Winnie’s home on Sunday evening, January 1, 2017 from 5:00 – 7:00pm 1450 Woodland Trail.

Born February 9, 1930 in Athens, Alabama to Geneva Rochelle (McConnell) and Matthew Anderson Creel. Winnie was the sixth of seven children, and the last to join the now-united family in Glory. With a preacher-father, Winnie’s early life was saturated with The Word of The Lord. Music was also a central theme in the Creel household; specifically hymns. While other children played outside on summer days, Winnie, her sister Mary Agnes, and their father were inside a church building singing for a funeral, or graveside in three-part harmony – accapella, of course. Hymns would remain in Winnie’s memory long after Alzheimer’s disease had stolen conversation.

After graduating from Athens Bible School, Winnie traveled west to attend Abilene Christian University. A blind date orchestrated by her roommate and her boyfriend would result in Winnie discovering the love of her life. Winnie and JB married in July of 1952 in the living room of her parents home in Elkmont, Alabama. The marriage thrived until death they did part in April, 2009. Winnie and JB raised five children in the nurture and admonition of The Lord. Winnie was the central figure in the family’s spiritual development, and her Biblical knowledge and understanding were life and breath to many.

Initially a homemaker, when the fifth child began first grade, Winnie went to work teaching school. At the same time, she returned to graduate school earning a Master’s degree in counseling from ACU. Winnie held several positions within the AISD, none more enjoyable for her than the 3-year stint as the PE teacher and Tennis Coach at Jefferson Junior High in the early ‘70’s. Winnie would later say those were her favorite years of employment. Ultimately, Winnie became Dean of Women at her alma mater, Abilene Christian University where she and JB were able to accomplish a goal of graduating all of their children with no college debt.

Nothing gave Winnie more pleasure than cheering for her husband, children and grandchildren at numerous sporting events. At times her exuberance would border on hysteria; however, it was determined that her motherly instincts were an obsession that was generally acceptable. A tradition Winnie began in the family is Sunday lunch together. “You may bring home as many friends as you like, but be sure to tell me in advance!” The tradition continues into the next generation, as does Winnie’s life-long commitment to saturating one’s life in The Word of The Lord. Winnie’s was a life lived to bring honor to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The legacy of love that began with the marriage of Winnie and JB continues through their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Bryan and Becky Gibbs; Steve Gibbs; Jonathan Gibbs; Julie and David Wilson; and Rebekah and Daryl Zeller. Grandchildren; Justin and Kristen Wilson; Gibbs and Brittani Wilson; Amy and Josh Lovelady; Seth and Emily Wilson; JB and Susie Gibbs; Lucas and Rebecca Gibbs; Ben and Whitney Gibbs; Sam Gibbs; Grant Zeller; Suzanne Zeller, Peter Zeller and Abigail Zeller. Great-grandchildren; Brooks and Bennett Wilson; Cannon Lovelady; Hadley Wilson; Luke Gibbs; Brock Gibbs; Grayson Gibbs and Cooper Gibbs.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the life-long friendship of Beth McLeskey; a faithful friend to the end. In addition, special appreciation is extended to Hendrick Hospice for traveling tenderly and lovingly the last few miles on the road to Glory.

Those wishing to make a memorial tribute are encouraged to consider supporting ministeries to which Winnie’s children and grandchildren are committed: Great Cities Missions, 3939 Beltline Road, Suite 705, Addison, Texas 75001, or www.greatcities.org ; Pro2G Mission, 4658 Trevor Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051, indicate “Peter Zeller” in the memo line, or www.pro2g.com ; Younglife Abilene, 547 Chestnut, Abilene, TX 79602, indicate “Grant Zeller” in memo.  Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .