Helen J. Gibson

Helen J. Gibson

(September 24, 1943 – February 14, 2023)

Helen Joyce Gibson , 79, of Effingham, IL, passed away at 10:36 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in her residence with her family by her side.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 20, 2023 in Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Rev. Leon Goff officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to The Pana Elks Lodge #1261 or HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

Helen was born on September 24, 1943 in Arcola, IL, the daughter of Thomas J. and Dorothy I. (Clawson) Elliott. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1962. She married Harold C. Gibson on January 3, 1986 and they enjoyed 37 years of marriage. Helen worked at Super 8, Casey’s, and Warren Habbe Wholesale Candy and Tobacco, all in Effingham. Helen enjoyed baking, bowling, and sewing, but spending time with her family was most important.

Helen is survived by her husband, Harold; sons, Artie L. Wren, Jr. (Trish) of Mattoon, IL, Kevin C. Gibson (Ellen) of Moweaqua, IL; and Harold Brian Gibson (Lori) of Nashville, TN; daughter, Robin D. McElyea (Perry) of Cowden, IL; brother, Jerry Bowen of  Florida; 19 grandchildren, Ashley Beck of Springfield, IL, Chuck Beck, Jr. (Brittany) of Pana, IL, Tamara Beck (Dave) of Harristown, IL, Lee Schaufler of Jewett, IL, Kayli McWhorter (Barry) of Cape Coral, FL, Brooke Miller (Colten) of Effingham, IL, Courtney Wren of Mattoon, IL, Michael Schroder of Wisconsin, Samantha Schroder of Mattoon, IL, Skyler Fleshner of Effingham, IL, Taylor Wren of Mattoon, IL, Joe Metzger (Kristen) of Collinsville, OK, Brad Metzger (Marissa) of Moweaqua, IL, Emmalee Richardson (Nolan) of Moweaqua, IL, Kayla Gibson of Moweaqua, IL, Valerie Gibson of Nashville, TN, Jennifer Delaneuville (Jeremy) of Nashville, TN, and Kendall Gibson (Madelyn) of Chatham, IL; and 31 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Barbara Carlene Arena; three sisters, Ruby Lidster, Judy Lidster, and Shirley Owens; and one grandson, Kurtis Charles Gibson.