Cathleen Gipson

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Cathleen D. Gipson, 99, formerly of Sikeston, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at Capital Healthcare Center in Jefferson City, Mo.

She was born June 8, 1903, in Lake County, Tenn., daughter of Clay and Rose Brown Driskill. She first married James Thomas Bat Aug. 22, 1923. He died Feb. 21, 1952. She and Clifford Lee Gipson Sr. were married April 1, 1961. He died Jan. 13, 1987.

Gipson was a graduate of Ensley, Ala., High School. She retired in 1973 as director of Scott County Division of Family Services. She served as director for Ste. Genevieve, Franklin and Mississippi counties, and served on the board of directors of Sikeston Nutrition Center.

She was a member of First Baptist Church and taught Arbutus Sunday School Class 26 years. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star, and a volunteer at Sikeston Mental Health Center.

Survivors include a daughter, Norma Lenon of Jefferson City; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and two great-stepgrandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Friend Cemetery in Oran, Mo. Dr. Rick Ramsey will officiate.

Ponder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.