Eva Emily Williams Gibbens, 96, formerly of Bay City, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 26, in Katy, Texas.

She was born January 29, 1916 in Whitesboro, Oklahoma to the late Ben and Bertha Williams. After her mother's death, she continued to raise her four younger brothers. She moved to Bay City in 1940 where she met her future husband, Don. They married on May 17, 1941 and resided in Bay City until 2006 when they moved to an assisted living facility in Katy closer to their children.

She was a charter member of Golden Avenue Baptist Church, formerly Baptist Temple, in 1949. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who enjoyed spending time with those she loved. Her serving spirit, easy smile and graceful attitude were an example to all. Eva loved and faithfully served her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, until her death and is now celebrating with Him in Heaven.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by all her siblings - one sister and four brothers.

Survivors include: her husband of 71 years, Don Gibbens; children, Wayne & Bobbie Gibbens and Gayle & Charles Jurecka; grandchildren, Darla & Terry Heeringa, Karen & Steve Kalmus and Ron & Kazuko Gibbens; great-grandchildren, Emily & Rachel Heeringa, Austin & Hunter Kalmus and Eva Gibbens; and sister-in-law, Mary Gibbens. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm until 8pm Tuesday at the funeral home. A celebration of her life will be at 10 am on Wednesday, August 29 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ron Gibbens, Terry Heeringa, Steve, Austin and Hunter Kalmus, Buddy and Greg Hamilton and Darrel Heidrich.
"Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21