Gussie Bobo was born on December 17, 1915 to Augustus Bobo & Edna Gorbet Bobo. Gussie’s father “Gus” was a “millionaire” rancher in Live Oak County. Gussie had one brother, Neville Bobo who was a few years older than Gussie. There was also a second older brother who died at a very young age.
Gus died a few months prior to Gussie’s birth. Gussie was born in Sandia, TX and lived on her parent’s ranch nearby as a very young child. At a young age, Edna, Neville (known as “Bo”) and Gussie moved to San Marcos, TX as Edna felt that San Marcos would provide a better environment for her children to be raised in, as compared to the harshness of South Texas ranch life and lack of educational opportunities there. Edna purchased and operated some boarding houses in San Marcos. While the wealth that Gus left behind with Edna was lost in the bank collapses of the 1920’s, Edna continued to own the ranch which was eventually split between Neville and Gussie. The ranch land was later sold by both in their adulthoods. Gussie and Neville remained close until Neville’s death in 1998.
Gussie loved her youth in San Marcos. One of her favorite activities was swimming in the clear cool waters of the San Marcos River as it passes through town. Gussie graduated from San Marcos High School at age 16, as schools at that time only went through the 11th grade.
Very soon after high school graduation, Gussie married Owen Lookingbill. Their marriage lasted until Owen’s death in 1966. Gussie and Owen had two daughters, Daryll Lookingbill Gray (born October 30, 1933 in Sandia, TX while visiting from San Marcos) and Janelle Lookingbill Berry (born July 11, 1935 in San Marcos, TX). For many years the Lookingbill’s lived at 935 Mariposa Street in San Antonio, where Owen lived until his death. Gussie continued to live at the Mariposa house for several years following Owen’s death. Gussie and Owen loved to enjoy themselves with dancing.
Gussie married Seth B. Copeland (known as “Slim”) on June 21, 1977 and they lived in San Antonio. Seth was the father-in-law of a young woman, Ginger Copeland, who Gussie worked with at Mutual Benefit insurance company in San Antonio. Seth and Gussie led the life of “retirees” and spent much time traveling. Their travels took them to the entire west coast, Grand Canyon, Lake Tahoe, Yellowstone and to Colorado. Also, they often traveled nearby to favorite places like Big Bend National Park and to Bastrop State Park. While Gussie had memories of a special love for Owen, Gussie once whispered following Slim’s death in September 1991 that her years with Slim were the most wonderful of her life. Gussie felt very close to Slim’s family and loved them like her own family.
Gussie retired from USAA insurance company. As an adult her interests included her church (Dellview Baptist Church), knitting, and crochet. Gussie was a small framed woman, some 4’11” in height and wore size 2 shoes. Gussie always seemed to be upbeat and content with her world. She most always carried a smile. And she always baked the most wonderful pecan and pumpkin pies for the Holidays.
Margarita Perches began providing personal care and assistance for Gussie in 2007. The two became fast and dear friends. Margarita’s care and friendship was a tremendous blessing to Gussie and provided Gussie’s family with peace in knowing that she was well cared for.
At the time of her death Gussie had the following family members (five generations):
Daughter Daryll Gray (husband Don Gray is deceased),
Grandson Donny Gray, Charlotte Cauley Gray (deceased), Sharon Allen Gray (divorced), g-granddaughter Megan Gray Coronado (married to Michael Coronado), g-grandson Matthew Gray
Grandson Doug Gray, Suzanne Gray, g-granddaughter Bethany Gray (husband Garrett, sons Gage and Gavyn), g-grandson Cameron Gray
Daughter Janelle Berry
Granddaughter Telise Berry Murray, husband Joe Murray, sons John, Timothy, and William
Son-in-law Bobby Copeland, daughter-in-law Ginger Copeland, their children Cindy, Robert, and Craig.
Daughter-in-laws Kaye Osburn and Shirley Janecek
Gussie’s earthly life ended on December 21, 2012 dying peaceably in her sleep at the Vitas Hospice Facility following a brief stay at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, TX. Gussie’s funeral service was held at Sunset Funeral Home Chapel on December 27, 2012. The service was officiated by Phil Risley of Dellview Baptist Church. Gussie was interred at Sunset Memorial Park alongside Owen’s grave.
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