Mrs. Martha Ella Gibson

Mrs. Martha Ella Gibson, 89, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 4:48 pm on Monday, June 8, 2026 at The Loft of Peoria Nursing Home. Martha was born on August 12, 1936 in Pulaski, IL to Frank and Mary (Lilly) Shird. She married Curtis Gibson until his passing on November 9, 1973. Seven years later, she married Lynne Collins. Martha was a homemaker for many years. Her first husband, Curtis did not want her to work and she was satisfied with taking care of her children. Martha was a member of a Baptist church in Pulaski, IL while living with her parents. She often told the story of how she had to go to church as a child. That was a custom at the time that all the grandchildren had to go to church particularly when they visited their grandparents for the summer. Martha loved to cook; and a great cook she was. Family and friends would come just to eat her good home cooked meals. She loved good music, cookouts, family get-togethers and family reunions. Martha worked in her later years and retired from Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL. Martha leaves to cherish her most precious memories, four sons, LaDell Gibson, Mark (Eileen) Gibson, Keith Gibson all of Peoria, IL, Lynne (Ryan) Collins of AZ; four daughters, LaWanda (Bishop Brooks) Gibson Freeport, IL, Carole Gibson of Houston, TX, Terry (Michael) Harris of Peoria, IL and Tuesday Gibson of Peoria, IL; four sisters, Frankie Harris, Connie (Eddie) Lovett all of Peoria, IL, Madora (Clement) Green of Jacksonville, NC and Shirley (Dyre) Moland of Stone Mountain, GA; twenty grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren 9 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends including special friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Curtis Gibson, Sr.; two sons, Curtis Gibson, Jr and Tony Curtis Gibson; two brothers and seven sisters. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Sovereign Grace M.B. Church with a visitation one hour prior at 10 am. Pastor Alvin Riley, Sr. will officiate and Pastor LaWanda Gibson-Brooks of First Church International Cathedral, Freeport, IL will bring forth the eulogy. Martha will be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at SimonsMortuary.com.

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Mrs. Martha Ella Gibson

August 12, 1936 - June 8, 2026