Sue Ann Gilman

Sue Ann (Gibson) Gilman, 83, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on November 2, 2024, in Dallas, TX. She was born in Ft. Worth, TX, on March 9, 1941, to Winnie Lee (Fesperman) and Paul Carson Gibson, and was the loving wife of John Bickley Gilman, all deceased.

Sue Ann attended Our Lady of Victory Academy in Ft. Worth, TX, Class of 1959. She continued her education at the University of Dallas, graduating in 1963, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After marrying John Gilman on June 26, 1964, Sue Ann taught elementary school math in Fort Benning, GA, while John served four years in the U.S. Army. They returned to Dallas in 1968, settling in the Lakewood area to start a family, and quickly became very involved in the local community. Sue Ann was an active parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Dallas, a member of Our Lady's Altar Society, Ladies of Charity, and Catholic Daughters of America. As a parent, Sue Ann was an active volunteer at St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School and often substituted as a teacher. She was an adored Girl Scout leader, mentoring and guiding many young girls though their elementary and high school years. Sue Ann worked as development director for Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas for many years, then pursued her interest in fundraising for non-profit organizations.

After surviving breast cancer twice in her 40s, Sue Ann became passionate about breast cancer research, early detection, cancer survivor counseling, and accessible low-cost screening. She served several times as Director of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, when the race was still in its early years in Dallas. Continuing to use her fundraising skills, Sue Ann went on to help with the development of the Komen Foundation's BMW Drive for a Cure, raising money for breast cancer research across the country. Back in Dallas, Sue Ann joined forces with other cancer survivors and became one of the founding members of The Bridge Breast Network, which provides testing and treatment for underinsured women. Noticing that these women and their families had other needs, Sue Ann went on to dedicate her energy towards opening a storefront location for the Ladies of Charity Food Pantry and Clothes Closet to serve the needs of low-income families and individuals.

Sue Ann was a long-time member and president of the Women’s Council of Dallas until 2016. She continued to work tirelessly for the many causes she believed in, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness programs and de-stigmatizing the perception of mental health conditions. Her efforts throughout her life made a difference to countless people. Sue Ann will be dearly missed.

Sue Ann is survived by her brother, Michael Paul Gibson and his wife, Jeanie, of Plano, TX, her daughter, Katherine Lee Gilman O'Brien and her husband, Patrick O'Brien, of Dallas, TX, her daughter, Deborah Ann Gilman of Norwood, MA, and two grandchildren, Deborah Ann's sons, Isaiah Ritchey and Wyatt Ritchey, both of Norwood, MA. Sue Ann is also survived by her niece, Cynthia Criollos Smith, of Tiverton, RI, her nephew, Jason Gibson, and his wife Sabrina, of Liberty Township, OH, her niece, Joni Phillip, of Dallas, TX, and her cousin, Carolyn Andrews, of Sherman, TX.

A Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Sue Ann Gilman will take place on Friday, November 8, at 11:00 am, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 6306 Kenwood Ave, Dallas,TX 75214. A reception will be held after the service in St. Anne Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, or the Alzheimer's Association.