Donna Gibson, 84, peacefully passed away at her daughter’s home Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Hazel Green, Alabama, surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Born June 2, 1940, in Omaha, Nebraska, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy Decker.
Donna was a beloved and devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
After the passing of her parents, she married Granville Kenneth Gibson and relocated to West Virginia. Donna was a founding member of the Pocahontas County Art Guild, where her creativity shone through her award-winning paintings. Donna also volunteered with great joy at the Marlinton Senior Center. She loved playing the piano and played for church. Music was one of her lifelong joys and expressions of faith.
For the past 20 years, Donna made her home in Hazel Green, Alabama, on her daughter’s farm, helping with the children. She continued to be an active painter and pianist. Her passion for animals, children and art left a legacy of love, color and compassion.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Helmts; and her former husbands, Norman Helmts and Bruce Atkinson.
She is survived by her loving brother, Ronald Decker, and wife, Karen Baier; daughter, Christina Berry (Richard); grandchildren, Richard Berry III (Hannah), April Jones (Matthew), Rochelle Berry, Nicole Helmts and Benjamin Helmts (Megan); and great-grandchildren, Richard IV, Christopher, Lorelie, Riley, Alliya, David, Jensen and Samuel; cherished nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many dear friends whose lives she touched.
Donna Gibson will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her generous spirit, artistic soul, and unwavering dedication to family and community.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate to Nechama Spiritual Center, 2812 Charity Lane, Hazel Green, AL 35750 or donate here: https://donate.stripe.com/aEUdRT1yT3Ep9RS9AB
