Idell “Makey” Gibson of Starks was born Apr. 12, 1938, and went into that good night on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. She was the daughter of Clarence and Juanita Drake – she was 87.
Idell met the love of her life, Carlton Gibson, at a tender age and was married on June 8, 1956 for 69 years. While Idell enjoyed a career in postal service serving as postmaster of the Starks’ office from 1983-2001, her family was where her heart beat the strongest. A reserved woman by nature, her love for her husband, children, grandchildren and extended family was bold and steadfast. There was never a doubt where she stood on matters and when it came to her family, Idell was an omniscient presence steeped in a hushed solid love.
However, when it came to her hobbies, Idell was much more vocal. She enjoyed sports being a competitive basketball player in high school, cheering her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities, and cheering/coaching her beloved Houston Astros. She trudged through many a dusty flea market looking for treasures she proudly displayed in her home. Idell liked a good gambling trip with Carlton and her sisters and other family members hoping to hit those triple sevens. A lover of good music including Motown and Rod Stewert, her kids always knew when the house filled with music, house cleaning and/or cooking dinner was taking place. She excelled at both.
Remaining to cherish Idell’s memory are spouse, Carlton Gibson; children, Donna Brooks and Carla (Keith) Jordan; daughter-in-law, Deana Gibson; grandchildren, Drake (Ana) Gibson, Tera (Kyle) Cassidy, Stephen (Tasia) Gibson, Jacob (Molly) Brooks, Sarah (Greg) Mabile, Daniel (Rachel) Brooks, Nickolas Jordan and Skylar Jordan; great-grandchildren, Nate Gibson, Shane Gibson, Sullivan Cassidy, Mya Gibson, Millie Gibson, Miles Gibson, Alia Brooks, Liam Mabile, Ginny Mabile, Catherine Mabile, Owen Mabile, Atlas Mabile; brother, Quinton (Nancy) Drake; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Idell in death were her son, Randy Gibson; parents, Clarence and Juanita Drake; brother, Norris Drake; sisters, Velma Stanley, Norma Says and Betty Jo Matthews.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Riley and Sons Funeral Home in DeQuincy.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the First Pentecostal Church in Starks. Rev. Lanny Gibson, Rev. Alfred Gibson and Rev. Jeremy Shields will be officiating. Interment will be in Fountain Cemetery in Starks.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Autism Services of SWLA, an organization near and dear to Idell.
Arrangements are being handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
