Phyllis Imogene Gipson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Phyllis Imogene (Barker) Gipson, 90, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 in Rector, Arkansas. She was born May 3, 1926 in Clay County, Arkansas to the late Oscar James Barker and Hettie Celeste (Massey) Barker. Her father, Oscar, was a local farmer and owner and operator of Barker Sawmill and Lumber Co. Her mother, Hettie, was a housewife and worked alongside of Oscar in the lumber company. Phyllis is survived by: two sons, Phillip (Vicky) Gipson of Rector and Joe David (Lisa) Gipson of Paragould: three grandchildren, Jay (Sara) Gipson of Paragould, Christopher (Mandi) Gipson of Jonesboro and Racheal (Alex) Roofe of Monticello: and two very precious great-granddaughters, Marleigh Kate and Addison Elizabeth. Phyllis grew up in Rector and graduated from Rector High School in 1943. Phyllis continued her education at University of Arkansas and graduated with a marketing degree in 1947. She returned to Clay County and began teaching at Boydsville, which later consolidated with Rector. After one year at Boydsville, she taught at Rector for one year, Caldwell for two years and finished her teaching career in Marmaduke, retiring in 1987. Early in her teaching career she was introduced to Joe Gipson on a blind date and married a year later in 1950. They were married until his death in 1987. Phyllis was preceded in death by: her husband Joe Gipson: parents, Oscar and Hettie Barker: sister, Sue Cox and brother O.J. Barker. Visitation will be at the Rector First Baptist church where Phyllis was a member for 74 years on Thursday, March 9 2017 at 10:30 to time of funeral at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Woodland Heights Cemetery. Phyllis was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with family and especially watching her grandchildren at all school and summer activities. She will be missed by many. You may sign the online condolence book at www.irbyfuneralhome.com or visit our Facebook page.

Phyllis Imogene Gipson

May 3, 1926 - March 6, 2017