In Loving Memory of Tracy Gibson
We Will Love You Forever
June 22, 1970 - July 18, 2004
Tracy Jo Gibson, 34, of Bloomington, died July 18, 2004 from injuries sustained as a result of an airplane accident at Wheeling, West Virginia. Her funeral will be 1:00pm Saturday 7-24-04 at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00pm Friday 7-23-04 at the funeral home and from Noon to 1:00pm Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aaron and Paige Gibson Education Fund c/o Illinois State Credit Union. She was born June 22, 1970 in Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, the daughter of Norman and Marylin Ridgeway Bonnell. She married Michael R. Gibson August 12, 1994 at Decatur. He survives. Other survivors include one son Aaron Michael Gibson (8) and one daughter, Paige LeAnn Gibson (1), both at home, her parents, of Blackshear, GA; grandmother, Mary Ridgeway of Blackshear, GA; two sisters, Valerie (Lloyd) Guyer, Blackshear, GA and Vickie (Ian) Wolfe, Bay Shore, NY, one brother, Andy Bonnell, Cedar Rapids, IA and her father; mother-in-law, Thomas and Faye Gibson, Decatur, sister-in-law, Amy Fowler and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Her grandfather Claude preceded her in death. Tracy graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, Decatur, IL in 1988. She attended Eureka College before transferring to Illinois State University. She graduated from I.S.U. with a bachelor's degree in history. She worked as a Customer Account Specialist for Commercial Packaging Company, Normal for the past six years. Tracy loved animals, horseback riding, hiking, historical and nature trips, reading, crossword puzzles and trivia. She was a natural when it came to competitive games with her family and friends. She was involved in PTO, adopt-a-family and numerous other charities. But primary in her life were her husband, her children, family and friends. Those who knew and loved Tracy will miss her smiling face. Tracy and Michael met and became lifelong friends in the summer of 1982 at the ages of 12 and 13. Years of friendship and love built a foundation that can never be parted. Tracy, your husband and children will miss and love you for the rest of our lives. You were the best mother and most loving wife we could have hoped or dreamed of having. You can never be replaced. Aaron, Paige and Mike will love you forever. Obituary written by family members
Published in the Decatur Herald & Review on 7/22/2004.
Tracy Gibson
A dedicated employee who loved Commercial Packaging, Tracy Gibson brought her knowledge, professionalism, and impeccable customer service skills to the Customer Service Department. Co-workers remember her as an incredibly warm team player who always got the job done. Tracy provided customer service to over 20 customers including one of our largest customers. She built excellent relationships with all of her customers.
Additionally, Tracy brought great ideas to the table. In the months shortly before the accident, Tracy was awarded the C.A.R.E. (Customers Are Really Everything) award for her excellent communication skills and her attention to detail. The award was given to her for the numerous praises she received from both our customers and suppliers.
Tracy was nurturing and caring for both people and the company. She always provided training for new employees, ensuring they were sent down the right path. With a good heart, Tracy also lead the annual Adopt-A-Family program for Commercial Packaging each holiday season.
Tracy earned her history degree from Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. Her love of history provided her the ability to outwit her fellow co-workers at trivia. Shannon Smith, friend and co-worker recalls her being highly competitive not only at work, but also in life.
Many frequently joked about Tracy’s dislike of cellular phones as she was constantly disconnected or would lose the signal while talking to Mark Long and other salespeople needing her assistance.
Tracy was very family oriented. She considered her husband Mike, her best friend. They had known each other since childhood. They have two children, Aaron, 8 and Paige, 1. Tracy was a proud parent, displaying Aaron’s artwork on the walls of her office and often telling stories about how Paige was growing so quickly, with many pictures to prove it.
Mike and Tracy’s 10th anniversary was in August. They were planning a trip to Puerto Rico, where Tracy was born.
Memorials can be made to the Aaron & Paige Gibson Scholarship Fund at Illinois State University Credit Union, 1309 S. Center Street, Normal, IL 61761. Please reference in the memo line that it is for the Gibson Scholarship fund.
Published by Commercial Packaging July 2004
