Joyce D. Gibson

Joyce D. "Granny" Gibson, 77, of Topeka, went to be with her Lord, Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 13, 2009. She was born on November 13, 1931 in Mablevale, AR, the daughter of Lemuel and Vera Rogers Burks. She was raised in the Mablevale and Alexander, AR area. Joyce had resided in Topeka since 1953. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Joyce was also known as the birthday card lady. She had sent birthday and condolence cards to every fireman and policeman which she considered her ministry for 14 years which brought much joy to her. Granny also dearly loved her Sharks Baseball Family. She was the beloved mother of Peter (Judy) Whitebird of Topeka, Donna (Dale) Baker of Topeka, Pamella (William) McGimpsey of Langley, OK, Kelli (Vince) Lambert of rural Hiawatha, Duane "Bubby" Hazlett of Topeka and Dillon Hazlett of Topeka, the beloved grandmother of 16 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren and her siblings, Eva (Olin) Cox of Benton, AR, Sue (Sonny) Long of Benton, AR, Barbara Johnson of Greenbrier, AR, Betty (Fred) Chunn of Benton, AR, Martha (Carl) Hilson of Benton, AR, Kay (James) Callahan of Benton, AR, Sheila (Dave) Clark of Katy, TX, George Burks of Benton, AR, Jesse Burks of Benton, AR and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Bonnie Garner and Margie Ruth Burks. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Graveside committal services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Neuchatel Cemetery north of Onaga. Joyce will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Joyce D. Gibson Memorial Fund c/o Community America Credit Union, 1129 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612.