Patricia Jo Garrett Gibson, 76, of Houston, Texas passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023, after a lengthy battle with non-alcoholic liver disease. She was surrounded by family when our Lord, Jesus Christ, called her home.

Pat was born on February 13, 1947, to the late Adrian and Imogene Garrett in Odessa, Texas. Spoiled and nicknamed "Honey" by her adoring father, the fair-haired beauty with golden locks had a keen sense of right and wrong, especially if her father failed to bring home candy after work or dared to tell her no. Nothing seemed impossible to her as a child whose love for animals enabled her to stand before a giant oak tree and call an escaped bird back into its cage. Not even a snarling dog guarding her litter of puppies could deter Pat from hopping over the fence in order to hold and kiss each one. When questioned why the mother didn't bite her, she said it was easy: "I asked for her permission."

Building trust became a cornerstone of her life, and as she matured, she was also blessed with common sense. Her honesty and integrity were noted by her teachers who often relied on her to conduct roll call and watch over the classroom when they needed to run a school errand. She enjoyed playing all types of sports and was named captain of her volleyball team, but she truly excelled in archery. Without consciously aiming, she could pull back the arrow and hit any target with ease. Her intuitive aim also paid off in a game of basketball when she swished an underhanded half-court shot, astonishing not only her team but herself.

After school, she often enjoyed meeting her friends for a nickel cone at Otto's Ice Cream Shop located off 42nd Street and East County Road. In the spring of 1961, the owner greeted her as she slid into her favorite booth. He pointed out a studious young man named Mike working behind the counter and told her that Mike was the type of guy she should date. She agreed with her friends that he was handsome, but she became far more interested when she learned he had a near-genius IQ. They went to the movies on their first date, and after a two-year courtship, they married in 1963. Before the wedding, Pat said, she heard a "voice" telling her that Mike would always take care of her, which proved to be true. The couple were two weeks shy of celebrating their 60th anniversary on May 11, 2023. She often bragged that no one was as smart or as handsome as her husband.

The couple had two children, Michael and Barbara, and they moved their young family to Houston in 1976. Pat was a devoted wife and protective mother who excelled at managing finances, driving a hard bargain, and being an endless source of wisdom and sound advice. She had a strong work ethic, valued punctuality, and enjoyed managing a dress shop, where she was also the model for company ads. Her skills then led her to work in a law office for several years and after that, as a valued bookkeeper for her daughter's business. After she retired, she pursued her artistic side, writing poetry and creating beautiful graphic designs. She kept her mind sharp with online word games, was a master at backgammon, and continually fussed over tending her crops on Country Life Meadows.

Her greatest joy besides her family was her love for all animals, especially her beloved Shar-pei, Baby, and Schnauzers Stinker, Puppy, and Beau.

Mrs. Gibson is survived by her husband, Mike Gibson; her children Michael and Barbara Gibson; grandchildren Jennifer and Victoria Gibson; brother Bill Garrett; nieces Lisa Bogie, Gina Garrett, Becky James, and Heather Gibson; and nephews Larry Garrett and Jake Gibson.

Funeral services will be a private ceremony conducted by beloved cousin Rick Kaiser.

In lieu of flowers or as a memorial, donations for ongoing cemetery care can be made anytime to Virginia Point UMC Cemetery Fund in Bells, Texas: http://www.virginiapointumc.com/linksdirections.html