Erma M. Gibson

Born in Noble, Louisiana, on October 17, 1928, Erma was one of six siblings raised in the warmth and simplicity of hard southern life. She brought that same warmth into every season of her life, blessing her family and community with love, laughter, and a radiant spirit.

Erma met the love of her life, Lloyd Gibson, at a football game—a chance meeting that led to a beautiful marriage and life together. The two worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory while raising their six children in Los Alamos, New Mexico. After retirement, they settled in Rio Rancho, where Erma continued to enjoy life surrounded by a wonderful husband and her growing family.

She had a fiery and joyful personality. Erma had a passion for singing, dancing, and anything rock and roll—and she never missed a chance to cheer for her Dallas Cowboys or make a strawberry pie for her favorite bridge parties. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and celebrated each of their lives with pride and affection.

More than anything, Erma was a lifelong follower of Jesus. She often shared John 3:16 with others and served faithfully in her local church, whether teaching Sunday school or helping with kids’ camps. Her life was a testimony of kindness, faith, and grace.

Her sister Tami said it best: “She was like a movie star. Her smile and beauty lit up the room when she walked in.” You always felt loved when she was around.

Erma is preceded in death by her parents, Seveda and Eddie Manshack; sister, Mary George; brothers, Leon Manshack, Lynnis Manshack, and Broada Manshack; Her beloved husband Lloyd H. Gibson Sr.; son Douglas Gibson; and four grandsons, Garrett Wright, Paul Sanchez, Marcus Madison, and Vincent Gibson.

She is survived by her beautiful sister, Willowmay “Tami” Doyle of Orlando, FL; her children: Sharon Fucci and husband Jim of Parrish, Florida; Lloyd Gibson Jr. of Los Lunas, NM; Donna Brewer of Lubbock, TX; Cynthia Fannin and husband Randy of Norman, OK; Robert Gibson of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Keith Wright of Erie, PA; Kerry Aradhya and husband Sawroop of Mountain View, CA their daughters Maya and Mira; Garrett’s three children, Kaitlyn Ashiana Wright, Elijah William Wright, Alyssa Grace Wright; Melissa Gibson of Glendale, AZ; Nathan Gibson and wife Jo Hernandez Gibson of Fraizer Park, CA their two daughters Padme and Uma; Bob Gibson and wife Melody of Cypress, TX with children Elora, Evan, Xander, Jackson; Faye Gibson and husband Carlos Zentella of Albuquerque, NM and children Alessandra and Mateo; Leon Gibson and family; Vincent’s daughter Ariyanna Gibson; Aaron Gibson of Chimayo; Loyda Gibson of Los Lunas, NM; Nicklaus Madison of North Richland Hills, TX; Marcus’s daughter, Ashlee Madison; Beth DeVore and husband Brad of League City, TX and children Elizabeth Grace, Shelby, and Gage; Angela Cochran and husband Daniel of New Castle, OK and their children Nicholas and Olivia; Paul’s daughter Estrella Griego Sanchez; William Hotze and wife Lee of Madison, AL and children Liam and Katherine; Dustin Fannin and wife Miranda of Midwest City, OK and children Audra and Brooklyn; Jenna Honeycutt and husband Robbie of Moore, OK and daughter Fawlyn Ramsey.

Erma leaves behind a total of 5 children,19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 2(almost 3) great-great grandchildren, and many more nieces and nephews.

Erma’s life was one of deep love and faithful service. She leaves behind a legacy that echoes these words of Scripture:

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends and family.” – John 15:13

All who knew and loved Erma Gibson are invited to attend and celebrate the incredible life she lived.

Services for Erma will be held Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8a

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local church or nearby kid’s camp in memory of Erma Gibson.