Memorial Service 3pm Sunday, August 21, 2022, at Forest Baptist Church

Visitation prior to Memorial Service: 2pm Forest Baptist Church Family Life Ctr. Parlor

Edna Earle Gibson of Forest, MS died peacefully in her home on August 8, 2022. She was 93. Edna was born on June 4, 1929 to the late Earl and Eva Davis. She grew up in Lake, MS and was graduated from Lake High School in 1947 with honors. She received her Bachelor of Music degree in Public School Music from Mississippi State College for Women in 1951. While in college, Edna was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota National Honorary Music Fraternity, Hottentots Social Club, Black List Social Club and the Theater Guild Speech Club. In 1949 she reigned as Queen of Agricultural Day at Mississippi State College, now University, and was also chosen the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity “Dream Girl” of 1950. On May 27, 1951, Edna married Dink Gibson, Jr. of Indianola, in the home of her parents. After two years in North Carolina with her husband who served in the United States Air Force, the couple returned to Forest, Mississippi. It was in Forest they would raise their 4 sons. For 50 years, from 1953 until 2003, Edna taught private piano lessons, first in the Forest School System and later in her home. For over 55 years, Edna faithfully served her Lord as a church musician. From the age of 12, Edna played piano and later, organ, for church services starting in 1941 at Lake Baptist Church. She retired as a church instrumentalist for Forest Baptist Church in 1996, still filling in as needed for years to come. Dink and Edna enjoyed traveling in their motor home, both seeing the country and cheering for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

In addition to her parents, Edna is preceded in death by her husband, Dink, and 1 son, Dave. She is survived by 3 sons, Steve, Randy and Michael, 4 daughters-in-law, Angela, Anne, Jan and Gina, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, 1 sister, Janette Hardy and her husband, Jeff, 1 sister-in-law, Kay Clower, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to family, whom they loved, Edna and Dink were blessed with innumerable friends of all ages. Family and friendship are truly two of the greatest gifts in life, and in this regard, Dink and Edna were rich beyond measure.

In May of 2021, Dink and Edna joyfully celebrated 70 years of marriage together. They both lead full, healthy lives filled with love and laughter and were blessed to be able to remain in their home until their deaths with the help of wonderful caregivers. The family would like to thank Glenda Crout and Melissa Crout for their immeasurable help over the past year. A joint memorial service, for both Dink and Edna, will be held Sunday, August 21 at 3:00 in the Forest Baptist Church sanctuary. A time of visitation and fellowship will begin at 2:00 in the church family life center. Memorial gifts may be made to the Forest Baptist Church or to a charity of your choosing.