Gene Gibbins

GENE GIBBINS, 86, of Little Rock, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011. Gene was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Harold and Tina Spurlock Sr. He is preceded in death by his Father Harold Spurlock Sr.; mother, Tina Spurlock; brother, Harold Spurlock Jr.; mother in law, Clara Whitlock; brother on laws, Larry Holmes and Ruddy Holmes. In 1971 Gene founded the GYST House (Get Yourself Together) and over many years, he touched so many people by his vision of working with those who have substance abuse issues. He's a pioneer in this field of work and certainly he deserves special recognition as founder of the first drug treatment program in the state of Arkansas. To cherish his memory, Gene leaves his loving wife, Joyce Gibbins; daughter, Tina Gibbins; niece Tina Lindor; great-nieces, Dina Lindor and Jessica Davis; step daughters, Jalonda McAffee and Delpha Clifton; step grandchildren, Jeff McAffee, Jade McAffee and Jelani Jones; sister in law, Yolanda Scott; niece in law, Alexis Romes; nephew in law, Terrance Louden Jr.; and a host of other loving relatives and special friends. He will truly be missed by Jim Culberson, Co Founder of GYST House, The board members, staff members and so many other relatives and long time friends. A celebration of his life will be Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011, 11 a.m., at Holy Temple Church of God In Christ, 1322 South Pulaski Street, Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Elmlawn Cemetery, Little Rock, Ark. Family visitation: Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, 6-7 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 South Chester St. Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.