Ella Mae Gipson

Mrs. Ella Mae Gipson, 79, of Blytheville passed from this life Sept. 30, 2012, at NEA Baptist Center in Jonesboro. She was of the Baptist faith.

Ella was born May 6, 1933, at Oxley, the daughter of the late Floyd Ernest and Valie Retha Passmore Wilson. She was also preceded in death by siblings Floyd Wilson and Wilma Wilson Marrow. She lived all of her adult life in or near Blytheville.

Ella met the love of her life, James Earl Gipson in Blytheville where they were united in marriage Oct. 5, 1949. They worked side by side raising two sons on the family farm south of Blytheville. In later years Ella worked as social director at the Heritage Nursing Center in Blytheville until her retirement in 1996.

Of utmost importance to Ella was the love and concern that she always exhibited for her family and friends. Ella never met a stranger and was kind to all she came in contact with. She had many interests but loved tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She always looked forward to the first ripe tomatoes of the year. Ella also thoroughly enjoyed meal preparation for her family during the holidays and special occasions. She was a lady of natural grace and wit.

Ella is survived by her husband of 63 years, James;

Two sons and daughter-in-law, Larry and Nancy Gipson of Summerville, Ga., and Roger and Darlene Gipson of Corning;

Two sisters, Kathy George and Glenda Stevens of Benton

Her grandchildren Greg Gipson and wife, Holly, of Trion, Ga., Amanda Gipson of Rome, Ga., and Katie Gipson of Conway; and

Three great-grandchildren Bradley Gipson, of Rome, Ga., and Rose and Robin Gipson, of Trion, Ga.

Graveside funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today in Elmwood Cemetery with the Rev. Glen Dunnam officiating. The family received friends from 10 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com