Phyllis J Gibson

Phyllis Jane (McDannell) Gibson 93, a life long resident of Moline, passed peacefully away at her home with her family gathered about her on July 25, 2008 following a brief illness. Services- visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Wendt Funeral Home in Moline followed by a graveside service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the King’s Daughters Thrift Shop in Moline. Phyllis was born in Moline on April 27, 1915, the daughter of Decatur Stephen and Alma (Bergendahl) McDannell. She was a 1933 graduate of Moline High School, where she was honored with being the school’s first “M” Queen in 1932. Following high school she attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and received a two year teaching certificate (1935) plus the honor of being voted “Miss Cheerful”. In 1937 she received a B.S. degree in Education from Northwestern University in Evanston, where she began her lifetime membership in the Delta Gamma Sorority. Phyllis’ first teaching position was at Moline’s Willard Elementary School from1937-1939. The love of her life was Dr. Kenneth Francis Gibson whom she married on July 29, 1939 in Moline – a love affair that began in grade school. This marriage produced three wonderful children: Robert Kenneth (1941), Susan Jane (1944) and Patricia Ann (1946). Phyllis always led a very active life. She was an 80 year member of the Elizabeth Jane Brearshear Circle of King’s Daughters and enjoyed many years as a member of P.E.O. In addition to those, she was an active member of Jefferson School’s PTA organization and served as a leader in local Brownie and Girl Scout troops. The Gibson’s were active boaters and also members of Short Hills Country Club. Following Dr. Gibson’s unexpected death in 1962, Phyllis continued her kindergarten teaching career at Horace Mann Elementary School in Moline. She greatly enjoyed the teaching profession and was always humbled when former students came up to tell her of past memories in her classes. (Five year-olds always brought a big bright smile to her face.) She retired from the teaching profession in the summer of 1978 and spent the remaining years in her cozy home, traveling to many parts of the world and visiting her beloved family. She will be greatly missed for her upbeat spirit with her great smile and her ability to always look on the bright side of things. Phyllis is survived by her three children: Robert Gibson, Duluth, Georgia, Susan (Charles) Doerr of Moline, and Patti (Phil) Flesher of Spanish Fort, Alabama; eight grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister (Betty Gaines) and one granddaughter (Angie Flesher).