Leona Virginia Fox Gipson woke up in heaven January 18th, 2019. The transition from this life to the next took place at home in Athens, Tx. where she had lived for the past 8 years with her daughter. She was born in Breckenridge, Tx. on May 24, 1923, the third of five children to Seth Joseph Fox and Mary Emma Hardaway Fox. She grew up in East Texas where her Dad was a pastor, farmer and oil field worker. She came to know the Lord at an early age, and he would always shine through her life through her loving servanthood for others. It could be said of her, in the words of Paul, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21 Today our loss is her gain as she is in His presence.
Leona graduated from Gaston high school and attended East Oklahoma College in Ada where she was roommates with her sister, Thelma. She subsequently married George Ralph Gipson, on March 7, 1942, who then joined the Army and served during WWII. They were blest with two children Virginia Ann (Jeany) Gipson Teague and Randall Dell Gipson, whom she always recounted was supposed to be named “Johnny”.
After several years as a homemaker, Leona and George Ralph moved to San Antonio, Tx. where they were active members of Castle Hills Baptist Church and she taught kindergarten there for many years. In every church they attended, they became much needed, trusted and close friends of the pastor and helped ease the burdens inherent with the pastorate. Leona was comfortable with these friendships and saw a need to be met, having no doubt learned this from being the daughter of a pastor. Leona was always one to meet needs whenever she could.
Undoubtedly, she met needs by preparing special meals and dishes whether for a “potluck”, a meal delivered or shared in their home, or a favorite entrée for a family member. Leona, Mom, Nana’s selfless acts of caring for each of us whether through her cooking, sewing, listening, made each of us feel special and loved. She had an avid interest in being where the children were, involved and participating in their adventures. She will be missed, but her legacy of love and the memories she created will live on in our hearts. Even though we are saddened by the separation and we grieve, there is a reunion waiting for each of us.
Left to cherish her life are brothers: Jimmy Fox, S.J. Fox. Children: Jeany Teague, Randall Gipson (wife) Lena, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jeff Teague and children Elizabeth, Abby, Katelynn, Jeremy (wife) Christine Teague, Hannah, Kathryn, Jennifer Teague (husband) Chris Pritchett, Lanie, Landry, Liberty and Micheal Luke, Coby (wife) Christy Gipson, Camryn, Connor, Whitney Gipson, Faith, Brenden. Also, many nieces/ nephews, great nieces/nephews are left to cherish her life and legacy.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 68 years, George Ralph Gipson, sisters Dorthea Bellows and Thelma Stone, brother and sister in laws, Hollis & Beryl Gipson, Elsie Ann Gipson Rideout, and son-in-law, Danny Teague.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr chapel.
There will be a private burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Rusk County to follow.
“Only one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
