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Dalpha Lillie
Gibson
Nov 4, 1937 — May 5, 2025
Sand Springs
Dalpha Lillie Gibson entered her heavenly home on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by the love of her family and comfort of her home. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.
Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at Limestone Southern Baptist Church, with Pastor Larry Dotson officiating. She will be laid to rest at Woodland Memorial Park. Viewing will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 7, from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Dalpha, affectionately known to her family as "DeeDee," was born on November 4, 1937, in Hartville, Missouri, to John Henry Wilson and Velma Gladys (Bradfield) Wilson. She grew up in the close-knit community of Hartville, attending a one-room schoolhouse and graduating from Mountain Grove High School. Her faith was formed early on at Bethany Church, and her deep commitment to Christ remained central throughout her life.
After graduating high school, Dalpha moved with her parents to Tulsa, joining her brother and sister who had already settled there. While working in the packing room at Kerr Glass, fate introduced her to Elmer Eugene "Hoot" Gibson, a young man from the floor who told a friend, "I'm going to marry that girl someday." True to his word, the two were united in marriage on October 25, 1958. Many said Dalpha was the one who tamed him, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion in Sand Springs' Town and Country neighborhood, where they raised their two children, Barbara and Keith.
A devoted wife and loving mother, Dalpha chose to stay home during her children's early years, creating a nurturing home full of warmth and stability. Once Barbara and Keith were in school, she began working in school cafeterias, often following Keith through the different schools he attended. She embodied the quintessential 1970s mom—cookies ready after school, dinner promptly at 5 p.m., and faithful in getting her children to church.
Since 1965, Dalpha was a cherished and active member of Limestone Southern Baptist Church. She poured her heart into every aspect of church life—working with Vacation Bible School, caring for little ones in the nursery, and offering a helping hand wherever needed. She was known for her servant's heart—loving, patient, compassionate, and creative.
Dalpha delighted in the simple joys of life: teaching her grandchildren to draw, painting, needlepoint, sewing, and being silly just to make others smile. Her adventurous spirit often took her family by surprise—like the time she chased a bear in Yellowstone. She was full of unexpected moments that reflected her playful nature and quiet strength.
Above all, Dalpha brought the love of the Lord into her family's life. She lived her faith daily, not only in word but in action.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hoot, in 2016; her parents; her brother, Doyle Wilson; and her sister, Dona Shives.
She is survived by her children, Barbara Gibson of Sand Springs, and Keith Gibson and wife, Tanya of Ada; grandchildren, Halee Moeller and husband, Ryson, and Ashtyn Gibson; great-grandchildren, Emory Rose and Rhae-Lynn Lane; and numerous nieces and nephews who were deeply cherished by her.
Dalpha's legacy is one of faith, love, and quiet strength—a life well lived and a heart well shared. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Wednesday
Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service
12:00 - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Thursday
Limestone Baptist Church
Starts at 2:00 pm
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