of West Memphis, AR
August 3, 1943 - July 20, 2023
Mary Ellen Gibbs, 79, of West Memphis departed this life on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
She was born on August 3, 1943 in Lepanto to John Everett and Mary Elizabeth Brown Tyler.
Mary had a huge heart and spent her life helping others. She was very mechanically inclined and love to fix things. She spent much of her time as a child learning from her father how to work on automobiles. She loved ''her Jesus'' and wanted everyone else to know Him as well.
She spent 40 years working for Taylor Sudden Service. She was also a chaplain at the Crittenden County jail, where the idea for helping rehabilitate the women there came to her. From this, she started Hope House Ministries which has grown and evolved into a food pantry that helps thousands of people in need every year.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, James Tyler, Larry ''Buddy'' Tyler, Garry ''Tiny'' Tyler and Donald ''Pete'' Tyler; one sister, Janie Barnett and three nephews, Brian Tyler, Brent McKinness and Jonathan Tyler.
Mary is survived by her husband of 62 years, Hollis Gibbs; one son, Michael Gibbs (Kim) of Marion; two brothers, Charles Tyler (Brenda) of Russellville and David Tyler(Tammy) of Lepanto; two sisters, Angela McKinness (Elmo) and Shirley Tyler (Angie) all of Lepanto; two grandchildren, Bee Wooten(Tim) of Arkadelphia and Tyler Gibbs of West Memphis and a host of nieces and nephews as well as many other family and friends.
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22 Condolence(s)
Peggy Stephens
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Oh I'm so sorry to hear about Mary. I had no idea. She was a wonderful lady. I loved her a lot. God I'm gonna miss her. No one will ever be able to fill that ladies shoes. Heaven gained a most beautiful Angel. Till we meet again.
Scott Stokes
Monday, July 24, 2023
I worked with Ms. Mary through Taylor's over the years. I loved working with her. She was no nonsense, work till you get the job done every time. She just wanted to do the best she could for her customers and the company.
I'm happier though to read the contents of her obituary. I didn't know this side of Ms. Mary, but it appears that she knew what was really important in this world. It doesn't surprise me, that her work ethic and dedication flowed in to service for God and love for his children. I'm inspired by the legacy she leaves behind. Well done.
Deb Munoz
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Prayers for the family during this time. Ms Mary was a beautiful Christian woman.
Charles and Brenda Tyler
Saturday, July 22, 2023
To my precious sister, you will be truly missed. Your love for our God and Savior is evident in the glow on your face! Charles and Brenda.
Lynne Coleman
Saturday, July 22, 2023
How do you explain the true impact one person has had on your life Mary was a dear friend that taught me, more than anyone else in my life, about “her Jesusâ€. I worked beside her for 15+ years as a Chaplin in the Jail Ministry and Hope House, I saw her heart as she gave of her time and boundless energy. She was the very definition of love and service to others, self sacrifice, and dedication. Mary, you will be more than missed. You are loved.
Jason Atkins
Friday, July 21, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Mary. She love God and her Savior Jesus Christ. She encouraged me when my dad passed away in 2014. I am praying for the family.
Laura C. McFarling
Friday, July 21, 2023
Mary Gibbs lived her life in such a manner that left a strong Christian legacy which touched the hearts of many people, including myself. She just didn't tell people about the Lord: she lived her life in such a manner that spoke louder than her words. She always wanted to help people to bring them to know the Lord. She was the founder of Hope House. She had charisma that people wanted to be around her to learn just what motivated her to have such love and divine power to touch lives! Personally speaking, my life was enriched by her qualities. My prayer is for her faithful husband, Hollis Gibbs, and her family that they will feel God's comfort and peace as they live their day-to-day lives thinking of Mary's legacy which has been left behind.
Karen (Hall) Thompson
Friday, July 21, 2023
Ms Mary has meant so much to me my entire life. I have always looked up to her and she taught me so many things about the bible and God. She will be missed by so many people that she has touched in her life time. Her and Bro Hollis mean so much to me and Bro Hollis you are a wonderful husband and I am praying for you. Mike you are and always have been an amazing son and you were everything to her. I am praying for you and your family now too. I love ya'll and will be there if you need anything, anytime.
Love Karen
Keith Southard
Friday, July 21, 2023
So sorry to hear the news. Prayers for family.
Tonya McManaway
Friday, July 21, 2023
Mrs. Mary was a wonderful lady. She shined with the love of Jesus. I know she will be greatly missed by many. Prayers for all her family and friends.
Janell Zeug
Friday, July 21, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She was a lovely lady who I am glad to have known when I was growing up.
Becky Lowe
Friday, July 21, 2023
One of God's favorites !!! What a heart of gold Mary had. She was there for me and Terra when we needed her most and I'm so sure she was there for for so many more. Give Terra a big hug for me Mary. You are missed so much already. Wrapped in God's arms in perfect peace and no pain. Until we see each other again. Much Love, Becky
Alma White Webb
Friday, July 21, 2023
West to church with Mrs. Mary for years and she was a great lady, she will be miss. Prayers
Eddie Sides
Friday, July 21, 2023
Robert Harrison
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Miss Mary was a great person, friend, and Lady! I always thought a lot of her and her wisdom and work ethic. She will be deeply missed.
Dot Clements
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Condolences to Hollis and his family! Mary loved the Lord and lived her life witnessing to people from every walk of life! A true prayer warrior...RIP our friend.. Jerry & Dot Clements
Lynn Boatner
Thursday, July 20, 2023
I worked with Ms. Mary for years with Taylor Sudden Service. She was one of my greasiest work inspirations & role models. She gave me advice that I still hold true to & believe in. She was a hard worker & a very devout lady. Prayers to Mike & the family. Heaven gained one more of dime of an Angel today!!! â¤ï¸
Bonnie Bowers
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Miss Mary was blessing in helping me at a time when I greatly needed it. A wonderful Christian lady. Prayers for her family & and all the people she has helped.
Lester C Sells
Thursday, July 20, 2023
I’m a firm believer that when we lose someone close to us, like a mother, they continue to live on through us and give us unbelievable strength. They’re so connected to us that they become a part of us.
All our Sympathy,
Lester & Jo Sells
Tami Tackett
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Mary was such a caring and giving lady. I enjoyed working with her in the jail ministry. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Delores Wheeless
Thursday, July 20, 2023
My deepest Sympathy brother Hollis, Mike, Kim and her grandchildren. Mrs Mary was truly a Warrior for GOD, she loved her Lord & Savior JESUS. I’m grateful our paths crossed with one another, we shared many conversations about GOD and boy did she know her Bible, Mrs. Mary will be missed dearly. Praying that GOD will comfort y’all during this difficult time.
John Antonetti
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Our hearts go out to the entire family. What a legacy Mary leaves and her memory will remain in the hearts, for the thousands her generosity and kindness touched. Truly a Christian woman.