Susan McBride Gibson

Susan (Susie) McBride Gibson passed away on July 22, 2021, at the age of 89. She was born in Fort Sheridan, Illinois on October 14, 1931, the fifth and youngest child of Col. Robert Wilkin and Irene Wegley McBride.

In 1937, Colonel McBride had orders for Fort Mills on Corregidor Island in the Philippines. Susie’s entire family along with her beloved grandmother, Catherine Wegley, endured the 27-day voyage aboard an army transport vessel to reach their tropical destination. Susie had fond memories of life in the Philippines and often told stories of her time there.

In 1941, Susie’s family settled in Austin. As a student at Austin High School, she developed an interest in science and after graduation got a summer job at the Texas State Health Department. She attended the University of Texas where she obtained her degree in Bacteriology. After graduating from UT she continued working at the State Health Department where she enjoyed a rewarding 30-year career as a microbiologist.

Susie married Frank Gibson in 1952 and they eventually had three daughters. She and Frank enjoyed a life of raising children, being active members of Covenant Presbyterian Church, taking vacations to visit family, spending time at lake Travis and hosting parties with friends. Although she was very quiet compared to the boisterous Frank, she shared a wry sense of humor with her family. Frank passed away in 2014 after 61 years of marriage.

A lifelong bridge player, she played bridge with multiple groups. While she enjoyed the social part of the game, she was a serious competitor who played to win. Win or lose, she always had a smile on her face. She was an avid fan of Antiques Roadshow and was able to attend shows in Fort Worth and New Orleans. The items she brought to have assessed were not that valuable, but the experience was priceless. She also enjoyed scouring estate sales and thrift stores looking for “treasures,” a hobby that was funded in part by an online shop she shared with daughter, Terri.

Susie lived a long, full life and was ultimately accepting of her stage 4 cancer diagnosis. She died as she lived with strength and grace, surrounded by loved ones and all those “treasures” she couldn’t sell online.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Lawhon, Terri Gibson and Janie Gibson; son-in-law Steve Lawhon; her grandchildren Dusty, Beth, Kevin, Sarah and Ally and 8 great-grandchildren. She loved and was loved by the surviving members of her large McBride family of nieces, nephews and her dear sister-in-law, Wynne, all of whom provided much love and support during her final days. Thanks to all the love and support of her friends and family, Susie left this world knowing how much she was loved.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin, Texas 78731.

Memorial donations in her honor can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd, Ste 100, Austin, Texas 78759.