Jewel Henryetta Gipson

Jewel Henryetta Gipson, beloved mother, grandmother, and family matriarch, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026 at the age of 75, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. She was born on October 25, 1950, in Spiro, Oklahoma, to the late Henry William Shockley and Jewel Mary (Stephens) Shockley. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gary Gipson; a daughter, Bobbie Barnes; a sister, Janie Smith; two brothers, Doyle Shockley and James Shockley; and a great-grandson, Eli Casey.

Memaw, as she was affectionately called, was the heart of her family, known for her strength, warmth, and unwavering love. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought endless light and laughter into her days. Whether sharing stories, offering guidance, or simply enjoying their company, she cherished every moment with them.

A gifted cook, she expressed her love through the meals she prepared, bringing family together around the table time and time again. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, tradition, and connection.

She was also a woman of remarkable skill and determination. She dedicated nearly 30 years of her life working at Riverside Furniture, where her craftsmanship and work ethic left a lasting impression. Alongside her husband, Gary, she built a life rooted in hard work and independence, owning and operating their own farm and workshop. She took pride in being hands-on and capable, never shying away from a challenge.

Beyond her work and family, she found peace and happiness at the beach, where she loved the sound of the waves and the feeling of the sand beneath her feet.

She will be remembered for her resilience, her nurturing spirit, and the deep love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories she created.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd, at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, Oklahoma. 

She is survived by a daughter, Mary (Kevin) Gaynor of Fort Smith; a son, James (Stacy) Casey of Panama; two sisters, Mary Bourne of Spiro and Sarah Sockey of Pocola; a brother, Ed Shockley of Fort Smith; (5) grandchildren, Candice (Donny) Hinkston, Kevin Gaynor, Kevisha Gaynor, Desiree Gaynor, and Victoria Casey; and (7) great-grandchildren, Marley, Kevin, Cassius, Ava, Sammy, Kamden, and Khyrell.

A special thank you to Mary for her dedication and sacrifice to make sure Memaw’s care was always a priority.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Brotherton Cremation Services, 914 N. 32nd St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903. (479) 434-3901 or (479) 965-8202.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.