Doreen Lilian Gibson

Doreen Lilian "Dee" Gibson, retired owner of Gibson Medical Supplies, Inc., died Monday, June 6, 2005. Doreen was born in West Ham, England, the youngest daughter of Annie Mabel and Robert G. James. As a small child during WWII, she survived the Blitz of London. Her father was awarded the George Medal by King George VI in 1941 for gallantry demonstrated during an incendiary bombing of London's East End. The injuries he sustained during the attack took his life at the age of 41. Doreen developed a deep and abiding love of the United States from seeing American films throughout her childhood. As a young woman, she moved to Dallas with $500 in her pocket intending to find work and stay a year. The opportunities she found convinced her to stay and make a life in her beloved America.In the early 1970's she opened Gibson Medical Supplies, Inc. on 8th Avenue in the Fort Worth hospital district, and later, Ye Olde Ostomy Shoppe. An entrepreneur with boundless energy and drive, she became a fixture in the business and medical communities in Fort Worth and Dallas for nearly 30 years. She was held in high regard by her colleagues, customers and friends and she touched more lives than anyone can know. A light-hearted story teller extraordinaire with the gift of the gab, she never met a stranger, and never failed to help a friend. Her vibrant, sparkling personality was larger than life; she was an eternal optimist who always saw the glass as half-full. "The life that I have, is all that I have; the life that I have is yours. The love that I have, of the life that I have, is yours and yours and yours. A sleep I shall have, a rest I shall have; yet death will be but a pause. For the peace of my years in the long green grass, will be yours and yours and yours." Survivors include her sisters in England; Winifred Johnston and Connie Skipper. In the United States, her devoted friend, Diane Thornton-Wallace; Susan Gunderson; her little dog Peeve; and a legion of friends. Her family, friends and caregivers are hosting a remembrance and celebration of her life at 2 p.m. Friday, June 17 at Arbor House, 1101 Jameson, in Weatherford. Her sister Winifred Johnston is traveling from England to attend this gathering. Memorials may be made to Animal Angels, a non-profit dog rescue, rehabilitation and adoption service at 290 Knowlton Road, Jacksboro, TX 76458 in care of Carole Sanders.