Norma Marie Gibson, 100

Norma Marie Gibson of Little Rock, Arkansas was called home to heaven on April 6, 2020. Born March 4, 1920, to Bertha Mae Mills and Raymond Luther Mills. Her father often said, “She was the prettiest little girl in Pocahontas, Arkansas.”

Norma learned to walk at just 9-months old and throughout her entire life continued with that same determination and speed. A 1938 graduate of Little Rock High School, she married her one true love, Gibby Gibson on June 5, 1939. Norma and Gibby raised three beautiful and talented children. As an empty nester Norma became a top saleswoman for Montgomery Ward, earning many awards and surpassing all the men. After retiring from Montgomery Ward, she went on to become a well-respected and loved real estate broker and co-owner of Ward-Gibson Realty, alongside her dear friend Carolyn Ward.

Norma possessed a musical talent like no other, able to play anything by ear and in any key. For many decades, you could find her playing the organ every Sunday as a devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Little Rock where she gave her gift of music to God. She found the strength in her deep-rooted faith to carry her through all the joys and lows of life. Nothing ever defeated her. Norma was gracious, genuine and kind, but didn’t want to be known as “sweet”, because “who wants to be sweet?”. 

She was always up for yelling at a good basketball game, baking an incredible chocolate pie or having a “singing” of hymns with her family and friends. As her mother often said, “That Norma is a jack of all trades!”. She was witty and stylish, rarely seen without sunglasses and a big bag. She loved beautiful cars and traveling the world, but mentioned that “Rome looked so old!”. Most importantly she loved us all fiercely and we knew it. We also knew if we acted up she would straighten us out and put us on the prayer chain.

Last month Norma had a big party celebrating her 100th birthday! She was gorgeous in her signature red lipstick and jewelry. Surrounded by so many of her family and friends, people traveled from all over the country to be with her. Norma thoroughly enjoyed her cake and party food, being doted on and visiting with loved ones.

Norma Marie Gibson is preceded in death by her parents and brothers, her husband James Leldon “Gibby” Gibson, sons Dr. James Bradley Gibson and Dr. Gordon Leldon Gibson. Survived by her daughter Jane Gibson George and son-in-law Charles George of Roland AR, granddaughters Allison George Freeman (Keith) of Inlet Beach, FL, Lindsey “Gibby” Gibson Sullivan (Kevin) of Eagle, CO, Gina Gibson Souffer (Blake) of Charleston, SC, Greta Gibson Walker (Clark) of Denver, CO and grandsons Andrew Gibson George of Roland, AR and James Bradley Gibson of NYC, NY, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, a family graveside service will be held with a memorial at a later date.

The family would like to give a special Thank you to Arkansas Hospice for all the attentive and loving care provided to Norma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her great-granddaughter’s foundation benefiting children with cancer: Ski Fast Foundation, www.skifastfoundation.com.

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400