Mary Sue Gibbs

Sue was born on October 19, 1946, in San Patricio County, Texas, to Isaac Clayburn Powell and Clora Mae Powell. She was the youngest of six children, with four older sisters and one older brother.

Sue was lovingly raised by her second-oldest sister, Jane Warren, and her husband, Hal Warren. Growing up alongside her nieces and nephews, she considered them more like brothers and sisters, and the close bond they shared remained a treasured part of her life.

At the age of 19, Sue met the love of her life, Homer Lee Gibbs. They were married on December 18, 1965, beginning a lifelong partnership built on faith, love, and devotion. Together they welcomed three children: Homer Lee “Lee” Gibbs Jr. (1968), Katherine Sue Gibbs (1970), and Doyle Wayne Gibbs (1974).

Sue had a remarkable gift for sewing and design. In 1989, she graduated from Dickinson Business School in San Antonio with a degree in Office Administration. She and Homer went on to build their dream by opening Classic Designs by Sue on Walzem Road. Her extraordinary talent as a seamstress became widely known, with people traveling from miles away to have garments custom made or altered by her skilled hands.

After Homer suffered his first heart attack, Sue willingly closed the doors of her business to devote herself fully to caring for her husband and family. Serving others was never a burden to Sue—it was simply who she was. She spent the remainder of her life as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and faithful caregiver. Her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, and unwavering love earned her the reputation as the glue that held the family together.

Later in life after the passing of Homer, Sue married John Wayne Little, who provided her with the friendship and company she seeked.

Sue found joy in life’s simple blessings: tending to her beautiful yard, sewing, baking, spending time with those she loved, and opening her home to anyone who needed kindness or encouragement. She was a God-fearing woman whose faith was evident in the way she loved, forgave, and cared for others. Her quiet strength and servant’s heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac Clayburn Powell and Clora Mae Powell; her four older sisters; her older brother; her beloved husband, Homer Lee Gibbs; her daughter, Katherine Sue Gibbs; and her cherished grandson, Hunter Jansky.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, John Wayne Little; her sons, Homer Lee “Lee” Gibbs Jr. and Doyle Wayne Gibbs; her granddaughter and husband, Hannah and Jacob Hierholzer; her treasured great-grandchildren, Layla, Lane, and Lacy Jo Hierholzer; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched.

Though Alzheimer’s changed many things, it never changed who Sue was. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, compassion, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now fully restored, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, and forever at home with her Savior.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the funeral home to assist with Sue’s burial expenses. The family is deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.