On April 17th, 2025, at 11:41 AM, surrounded by family and friends, Brenda Gibbons was taken into the arms of Jesus at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Born Nov. 17th, 1952, in Owensboro, KY, she was the daughter of the late Richard Curtis and Sylvia (Burkes) Curtis. Tragically, her mother was killed in a car accident when Brenda was 6 months old. She was gifted a 2nd mother, the late Elisabeth Curtis, who loved and raised her as her own.
Brenda was a Bethalto Civic Memorial (1971) and Alvarita Beauty School graduate. On July 28, 1972, in Bethalto, she married Dave Gibbons, with whom she shared 52 years of wedded bliss. She is survived by Dave; by her children, Julie (Mark Ellebracht) Darrow, of Bethalto and Joe (Lisa) Gibbons, of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Jerica McClellan, Josie and Jaylie Darrow, all of Bethalto; brothers, Dave (Stacie McNamara) Curtis of Bethalto, and Raymond (Melanie) Curtis of Dupo; special friend, Cheri Overmeyer, of Moro; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Brenda was preceded in death by two nephews, Corey and Matthew Curtis.
Brenda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. The first to be at your door when you needed help, she never left anyone out. A bundle of energy, she would take on any project and work tirelessly until it was finished. Christmas was a favorite time of year; she loved to decorate and loved Christmas open house which she and Dave hosted for many years where all were welcome. She loved to decorate her house and help anyone else that would let her. Her favorite hobby was planting flowers, the more the better. Every spring she would be at her favorite nurseries picking out flowers to plant. Her flowers were always beautiful. She was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan who attended countless games over the years and rarely missed one on television. In honor of her love for the game, the family encourages all friends and loved ones attending the visitation to wear St. Louis Cardinals gear.
The daughter of a career Army father, she was a fiercely proud American. She will be missed by all.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 pm, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11 am, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto with Father Tom Liebler as celebrant.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials are suggested to Autism Speaks and Boys and Girls Club of Bethalto.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
