Patsy Eilene (Hargrove) Gipson

Patsy Eilene (Hargrove) Gipson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and devoted member of the Abilene community, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on May 15, 1936, in Abilene, Texas, Patsy's life was a testament to love, faith, and family.

Some of Eilene's greatest achievements were found not in the workplace, but in her role as a homemaker. She relished the joys of nurturing her family and was deeply committed to her loved ones. As the cherished matriarch, she created a home filled with warmth and laughter for her children, Oran, Wayne, Gale, Arley and Pat as well as for her 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Eilene's favorite hobby was capturing her family and church history through countless picture albums, books, songs and poems.  Eilene looked for the joy in life at every turn! Whether that was playing cards or dominos, watching a parade, going to the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, where funnel cake was a must have, or gathering with her family to sing and play music. Let's not forget her infectious laugh that would kick off a giggle session like no other! In short, she magnified the love of Christ with how well she loved others.

Eilene was a dedicated member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Abilene, where she found purpose and fulfillment in her service to others. Her unwavering faith and kindness resonated in the hearts of many, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. She cherished her family history in Abilene as a 3rd generation Nazarene and often shared stories that connected past generations to the present, strengthening familial bonds.

Eilene is survived by her daughters, Pat Farley and her husband Hoss of Canyon, TX, Gale Rotan and her husband George of Nolan, TX; her sons, Wayne Gipson and wife Kay of Shallowater, TX and Arley Gipson of Abilene, TX; her sister, Doris Zachry; her grandchildren, Naaman, Emily, Jeremy, Amanda, Shelia, Tricia, Matthew, Kyle, Kristen and a host of great-grandchildren who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, O.C. "Shorty" Gipson, a son Oran Gipson, grandsons; Gerald and Josh Gipson, parents, Rufus and Ora Hargrove and siblings Sue, Junior, Virginia, Hookie, and Betty.

The public viewing for Eilene will be held at the First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday March 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her remarkable life and the love she shared with all.  The burial will be held in the Cedar Gap Cemetery following the service.

Though she may no longer walk among us, Eilene’s spirit will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends. She is already greatly missed, yet her life will continue to inspire love, faith, and cherished memories in all who knew her. Eilene leaves us all with her famous encouraging words, "tie a knot and hang on".

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in honor of Eilene to the following charities: CBN, John Hagee Ministries - Christian's United for Israel or a local hospice organization.

Eilene's service will be streamed at https://youtube.com/live/AMx6283fFt4?feature=share