Margaret Jones Gibson

Margaret Jones Gibson, long-time Tryon, Oklahoma resident, was born December 12, 1937, in Tryon, and was welcomed to her heavenly home on May 4, 2015, at the age of 77 years. She was the daughter of Hershel and Beulah (Hicks) Jones. Margaret was born into service for God and her community, as this was the example of her parents – lifelong pastors, educators, and mentors. She and her husband, Ted, also pastored and taught within the community. They were a blessing to all whose lives they touched. She was a graduate of Tryon High School and received her BS degree in natural science and elementary education from Central State College and was a Masters candidate at Tulsa University. Margaret met Ted Gibson in Douglas Oklahoma, in 1958 while he was traveling and singing with his college quartet, The Harmonaires. They were married February 21, 1960, in Douglas Oklahoma, in the Christian Union Church. Margaret’s father, who was pastor of that church, officiated at the ceremony. From there they moved to California where Margaret ably rose to the challenge of teaching in at-risk districts while Ted was attending college. In 1970, they returned to Oklahoma where Ted taught school at Tryon and together they raised their children on the family homestead. In 1976 she returned to teaching. For several years she taught 7th & 8th grade combination classes at Tryon and then transferred to teach Science at Perkins-Tryon High School. She was recognized as the Perkins-Tryon Teacher of the Year during this time and served on several state education boards. She retired from there in 2002 after 36 years of teaching but continued her work as GED instructor to many students in the area. Through this program Margaret inspired and encouraged many, many students with hope for their future. During all these years of teaching, Margaret also served as pastor’s wife to Ted in the Christian Union Church. Their leadership extended from the community, to the state, to the national level of Christian Union. They were instrumental in the STACUP Project for Oklahoma Christian Union. Their lives were devoted to the calling of God and through their leadership many programs of outreach were accomplished. Her life was filled with service to others. Her parents, one brother, Dr. William I. Jones; and one sister, Luree Parson; preceded Margaret in death. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and David Bethea of Claremore, Oklahoma, Jodi and John Williams of Claremore; two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Tammy Dawn Gibson of Tryon, Oklahoma, James and Lawanta Ramsey of Perkins, Oklahoma; thirteen grandchildren, David R. Bethea Jr, Will Bethea, Joe Betha, John Williams III, Ben Williams, Jack Williams, Evan Gibson, Ethan Gibson, Ella Gibson, James Eric Ramsey, Jace Ramsey, Jamee Ramsey, and Jaxson Ramsey; others relatives and many friends. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the H.I. Jones Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 97, Tryon, Oklahoma 74875, or to Tryon Christian Union Church, Tryon, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Tryon Christian Union Church with Rev. Jim Jones and Rev. Joe Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Tryon Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Chandler.