Ivy Michelle Gipson was celebrated in heaven on July 29th, 2023, at the age of 68, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Great Bend, KS on April 8th, 1955, to Leo and Ruby Meyers. They soon moved to Perryton, Tx where she graduated from Perryton High School. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s in education and Master of Educational Diagnostics from West Texas State University and she was accepted into the Doctorate Program at Texas Tech University. She was passionate about educating children and always fought to make a positive impact in her students’ lives. Michelle retired from AISD before being asked to return in a part time position.
Michelle was passionate about helping people throughout her life and was involved in many organizations including: Downtown Women’s Center, Soroptimist, Evelyn Rivers Project, as well as taking a mission trip to Guatemala to spread the word of Christ. She had a servant’s heart and was always striving to do anything she could for everyone she met.
She never said no to anyone who asked for help. She was notorious for feeding people in their times of need and always had a welcoming spirit. Whether it was feeding people in need or providing a listening ear to those with a broken spirit, her heart and passion was for those around her. However, her greatest passion, blessings, and love were her family. Not only was she a cheerleader in high school, but she was also the greatest cheerleader of her children and grandchildren every day of her life.
When Rodney and Michelle married, their main focus was blending their families, and with much sacrifice and intentionality they created a family that continues to reflect the legacy of the same love that Rodney and Michelle gave their children. God was always the centerpiece of the Gipson family. Because of their love for God, this bond continues throughout their family, with God as the architect and Michelle as His instrument.
Michelle loved creating beautiful things, fellowship with friends, entertaining, a good glass of wine, Christmas, pets (even the horse), traveling and experiencing new things, being bold and shocking both in her laughter and her style, her corvette, and cooking everyone’s favorite meals. She always said, “you can do anything with the right tools and the right mindset.” She was a passionate, loving, and a faithful servant who strived to make everyone’s life better every day. She was a dedicated, loyal, and beautiful prayer warrior. She was inclusive of all, welcomed everyone into her home and adopted so many into their family.
Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, Pappa Leo and Grammy Faye, her Sister Cindy Brim, and her Nephew Tanner Brim.
She is survived by her husband, Rodney Gipson of Amarillo, her brother-in-law Jon Brim and wife Deedra Hunt of Tulsa, OK, her two daughters, April Hyduk and husband Sean of Tequesta, Fl, and Melissa Gipson of Amarillo, her two sons, Kurt Barclay and wife Emily of Kalamazoo, MI, and Blake Barclay and wife Lindsey of Amarillo, two nephews, Jeremy Brim and wife Ashley of Tulsa, OK., and Zane Brim and Fiancé Angela Guinn of Lee’s Summit, MO, grandchildren (her beloved little angels), Madison Gnagy, Adison Whitty, Ava Hyduk, Gipson Gnagy, Cruz Brim, Brayden Barclay, Braxton Brim, Falon Barclay, Adalynn Barclay, Tatum Hyduk, Britton Brim, Gavin Barclay, and Landry Barclay. Numerous cousins and extended family.
Michelle’s celebration of life will be Friday, August 4, 2023, at The Chapel at First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas at 11:00 am. The family will be at 4021 Montague, Amarillo, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Michelle’s honor, to the Cindy Meyers Brim Memorial Scholarship in Amarillo, Texas. PO Box 51444 Amarillo, Texas 79159.
Viewing will be available from 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M., Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.
Some people fill your heart without even trying.
Sending our warmest condolences to the family and loved ones during this very difficult time.
Michelle gave me so much love and kindness, and I agree she was a cheerleader to all of those around her! Some of my best childhood memories were at her house. She knew how to have fun but truly was a servant. I have never met anyone else like her. My prayers are with her family.
Michelle always made everyone feel loved and valued. God Bless and comfort all of you. She was a beautiful soul.
Rodney and family. Todd Brent. Lance and myself Candace are so sad to hear of this.. we loved Faye Leo Cindy. And Michelle Grandma Ivy keep us a so close. Many many years we shared with her.. The last time we visited with you all was at Aunt Fred’s memorial. Praying for comfort and peace to you all. Blessings and much love
The Jones Family from KS and Colo.
So very sorry for your loss!
It’s truly an honor and a privilege to have known Michelle. She in fact was my second mother!! I spent roughly 10 years of my life as a young adult in and around the Gibson household, and there was never a dull moment to say the least. She was the epitome of a Matriarchal figure who kept the peace amongst a pretty rowdy bunch of boys who she helped turn into men and Fathers. Rodney and Michelle’s house was always warm and inviting, a place where one could never wear out their welcome. Her kids will forever be my brothers and sisters, and I’m proud to know them. Michelle’s laughter will remain in my heart forever!!
The words printed in Michelle’s Obituary could not be more accurate; she was a lifelong friend that touched my life in so many ways & I have thanked God for her many, many times throughout my life. May you rest in peace my angel friend… I love you . Until we meet again & we will !!♥️
She was a beautiful person inside and out. I had limited time with her but she made such a positive impact. She was kind and funny. She lit up a room. The family are in my thoughts. Wishing you peace through this difficult time. Much love
Michelle your smile and laughter will be missed but not forgotten. I thank God for the impact Michelle and Rodney and their family have had on my life.
Michelle will truly be missed.
Love and prayers !
Sincere condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
I didn’t hear of Michelle’s passing until today, the day after her funeral….. The Willinghams all have such sweet memories of the Meyers and the Gipsons. Michelle was so full of life and just a precious friend throughout the years. Sending love and hugs to you all!
I always loved working with Michelle and truly loved teaching her girls in orchestra. Michelle was always so happy and inspired me to make every day a good one.