Nan Gibson Obituary (1939 - 2025)

It is with a smile on our faces that we remember the wonderfully vivacious Nan Gibson, who took her leave to join the heavenly choir on November 27, 2025. Nanie Lee McCarrell Gibson, daughter of the late Oral McCarrell and Katie Irene Sides McCarrell, was born on July 15, 1939, in Danville, Arkansas. Born and raised in Yell County, Nan graduated from Danville High School in 1957 and attended Arkansas Tech University for two years. She married John C. Gibson on December 20, 1958. They were a “couple” for over 70 years. Known for her quick wit and big heart, Nan was the life of any party, the queen of rummy, a golf enthusiast, a music lover, and a tax wizard. After all, who else could make tax accounting sound entertaining but our Nan? Nan was a force of nature who could cook up a storm (the very best cornbread dressing) and solve a crossword puzzle faster than you could say “IRS”. She founded and owned the Data One bookkeeper/computer repair service, where she had the uncanny ability to find humor in numbers. Nan retired from Johnson & Ruff CPAs, PA in 2012. A fervent member of the First United Methodist Church, Nan’s faith was as steadfast as her love for golf. She embodied the three simple rules of John Wesley’s Methodist way of living; “Do no harm,” “Do good,” and “Stay in love with God.” As a member of the United Women of Faith (50+ years), Nan was the recipient of the Lifetime Membership Award and also the Mission Recognition Award in 2005. She was an active member of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class and past member of the Morrilton Country Club Ladies Golf Association, the First United Methodist Church Cancel Choir, and a host of other groups and activities. The love of Nan’s life was her beloved husband and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents Oral and Irene McCarrell and her sister Virginia Sue Harrell. She is survived by her husband of 67 years John Gibson; son Mack (Crissy) Gibson; daughter Johnette (Shawn) Socha; grandchildren Katie (Josh) Bellinghausen, Ellie (Adrain) Clark, Julia (Kevin) Black, Jenna (Chad) Brewer, and Jared Socha; step-grandchildren Wes Key and Hannah Key; great- grandchildren Jaden Bellinghausen, Kaliyah, Kamille, and Kloe Black, Austyn and Boone Brewer; step-great-grandchildren Kevin Joseph Black and Drayton Edwards; nephews Bonner Ward, Kenny Ward, and David Hottinger; niece Kay Renz; and many grand-nieces, grand- nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. She may have left us, but her laughter and love will remain forever! Nan Gibson, signing off with a wink and a grin. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday December 20, 2025 at the Morrilton First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Chestnut, following a visitation at 12:00 p.m.