Leona Maxine Gibson

Leona Maxine (Minx) Gibson passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the age of 92. She was born on May 21, 1933, to the late Thomas Cerlos Minx and Mary Gladys (Head) Minx. Leona was proud to be the eldest of 14 siblings, a role she cherished throughout her life.

A 1951 graduate of Potosi High School, Leona married the love of her life, Billy Merle Gibson, on December 7, 1952, in Shirley, Missouri. Together, they shared 72 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters.

Leona’s deep and abiding faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was a devoted member of several churches in the communities she called home. She began her journey of faith at White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Shirley, Missouri. In 1974, she and Billy moved to Viburnum and joined First Baptist Church. Later, in 2007, they became members of Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan. Finally, after relocating to Ozark in 2013, they joined Hopedale Baptist Church, where Leona remained an active and faithful member until her passing.

Music played a special role in Leona’s life. She sang alto in a gospel quartet, performed in a trio with her daughters known as “The Gibson Girls”, and was a cherished member of her church choirs. Her love for worship and service was evident in everything she did.

Leona worked as a bookkeeper for Reed Chevrolet in Potosi and later as a bank teller at Quad County State Bank in Viburnum. In her free time, she enjoyed being with her family, attending gospel concerts, particularly the National Quartet Convention. She also loved embroidering, quilting, bowling, and playing golf.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, George Washington “Wash” Gibson and Mary Alice (Harvey) Gibson; three brothers, Donald (Bernice) Minx, Sylvester “Butch” Minx, and Paul Minx; and two sisters, Wilma (Warren) Dierker and Freida (Bob) Slankard.

Leona leaves behind her loving husband, Billy Gibson; two daughters, Marcia (Terry) Harris and Mary (Philip) LaRue; four grandchildren, Terra (Eric) Morris, Adam (Rachel) Harris, Clay (Tricia) LaRue, and Kristie LaRue; and six great-grandchildren, Gavin and Lexi Morris, Graham and Cole Harris, and Lane and Leighton LaRue.

She is also survived by three brothers, Tommy Minx, Jerry Minx, and Garry Minx; five sisters, Carolyn Dotson, Rose (Dave) Dierker, Joanne Ossendorf, Elaine Minx Boyer, and Peggy Robinson; two sisters-in-law, Jo Minx and Bette Minx; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Leona deeply loved her family and treasured every moment spent with them. She will be remembered for her strong faith, kind spirit, joyful heart, and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 E. High Street, Potosi, Missouri 63664. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. until the time of her Funeral Service at 2 p.m. with Pastor John Pursley officiating. Interment and final prayers will follow at the White Oak Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Terry Harris, Philip LaRue, Adam Harris, Clay LaRue, Eric Morris and Gavin Morris. Honored as honorary pallbearers are Terra Morris and Kristie LaRue.