Mary Gaut Gibson

Mary Gaut Gibson passed away on May 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 94. Born and raised in Jefferson County, Tennessee, Mary Lou was one of 7 children of the late Joseph Edward Gaut and Lou Bailey Gaut. She was a kind and generous soul who loved family, friends, nature, birds, flowers, and a good game of bridge. She is preceded in death by her husband, George D. Gibson, Jr, the love of her life for 46 years.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters Cynthia Gibson and Elisabeth “Lisa” Riley, son-in-law Michael Riley, granddaughter Kathleen Riley and her husband Aleksandar Jovanovic, and sister Jean Gass.

The family will hold a service in Knoxville, Tennessee at a later date and Mary will be laid to rest in Trentville Cemetery next to her husband.

Memories of Mary:

“Born in rural Tennessee, Mary lived through the 30’s depression.

She met her love in the 1940’s and apparently made quite an impression.

She worked in the 1950’s to support her husband’s college and career,

And as his beautiful wife and partner, she was loved and held so dear.

In the 60’s through the 80’s, she raised a family.

Through good times or through challenges, she performed this valiantly.

She was a daughter, sister, wife and mother, a grandmother, aunt and friend.

And to each of these she proved herself to be someone on which they could depend.

Her beauty and love shone through each day. Generous and caring was she.

It is not uncommon to hear from others that ‘she was like a mom to me.’

She eventually slowed down from the pace she had and her active world grew small.

But one thing would never change, the love for her that was felt by all.”