Jean Esther Gibson, 87, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away on August 1, 2008, at Round Lake Beach.
Jean graduated from Du Quoin Township High School in 1939.  She attended Southern Illinois University for several years.  She enlisted in the Navy W.A.V.E.S. in 1944 and was honorably discharged in 1945.  
She was born December 15, 1920 at Du Quoin, the daughter of John Chester and Clara A. (Brookings) Gibson.
Jean never married.  She was very proud of her older sister's family.
Jean is survived by her older sister, Elizabeth L. "Betty Lou" Howard of Westminster, Colo., Betty's two children, two grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.  Betty's son, Stephen, was very much in Jean's life for the last thirty years.  Steve always visited Jean in March and in June when he was in Illinois for business.
Mr. Lucius Smith, deceased, former editor of the Du Quoin Evening Call served as a mentor to Jean during her early adult life.  Mr. F. Mark Miller, deceased, was a first cousin of Betty Lou and Jean.  Mr. F. Mark Miller, Betty Lou, and Jean held a property interest, respectively, in the old Brookings Building.  Jean's dad, Mr. John C. Gibson, deceased, was the former City of Du Quoin civil engineer.
Jean lived most of her adult life in Waukegan.  She walked everywhere and enjoyed attending services at the Living Waters Assembly of God Church of Grayslake.
Jean has been cremated.  A military graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, August 18, 2008, at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin with the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion conducting the service.
Burial will be at the Brookings plot in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Du Quoin.
Those attending the service are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.

