Ann Patterson Gibbs

Two hearts have finally rejoined! Ann Patterson Gibbs joined the host of angels on July 1st, 2017 after a valiant battle between health and heartbreak. She was a pillar of strength and grace to all that were blessed to have known her. Ann was born June 18th, 1933 to Hervey Lafayette (Pat) Patterson and Edith Osbourne Patterson in Lonoke County, Arkansas. She was a graduate of England High School and Arkansas State Teacher's College in Conway, Arkansas. She taught school in the England School District and was a 5th grade teacher at England Academy from its inception to its end, molding minds and shaping futures. She worked at the Arkansas Capital during legislative sessions after retiring from teaching, and worked for over 20 years in the Dillards China Dept in Little Rock, Ark. where she took pride in being a consistent pacesetter for many years. Her life was devoted to serving others and trying to make the world a more beautiful place. Ann was baptized as an infant and had a permanent pew at England First United Methodist Church in England, Arkansas where she served on countless committees including being an active member of Circle 5 of the UMW. She was a charter member of the England Heritage Club, an avid bridge player, a leader in Fellowship Bible Studies, and the list goes on. She was an accomplished artist, loved reading and always enjoyed cutting a rug to a good boogie. She always said "only boring people are bored", and she made it a point to never be boring. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Beatrice Smith, an infant brother, Patrick, and the love of her life, her husband of almost 60 years, Billy H. Gibbs. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Edie Gibbs Friese and her husband Steven of Godfrey, Illinois. Ann also leaves behind four desperately devoted grandchildren: Rachael Tracy, Patterson Friese, Joshua Friese and Olivia Friese, and two adored great-granddaughters, Madison and Allysa whom we know she is watching over now. Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Annette Gibbs Haney and several treasured nieces and nephews. Friends and Family will be received at Roller England Funeral Home (501) 842-3939, from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017. Graveside services will be on Wednesday, July 5th, 2017 at Mulberry Cemetery in England at 10 a.m. with a celebration of life to follow at 11 at England First United Methodist Church, England, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to go to CASA of Lonoke County, 119 Front St., Lonoke, Arkansas, 72086, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, 38105, or the England First United Methodist Church, 200 N. E. 2nd, England, Arkansas, 72046. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/england.