Jacqueline "Jackie" Gibson Obituary

Jacqueline (Jackie) Samuels Gibson passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Aurora, Colorado on Thursday, July 24, 2025 / 28 Tammuz, 5785.

Jackie was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 18, 1949 / 17 Addar 5709 to George and Caroline Samuels. She was raised in Uptown New Orleans where she and her family were members of Temple Sinai. Jackie graduated from Newman High School in 1967. She went on to earn a BS in nursing from Vanderbilt University in 1971 where she was on the flag team her senior year.

Jackie moved to Houston, Texas where she would go on to meet the love of her life Barry. There are conflicting reports as to who accidentally rubbed into whom first at the TGIFridays off the Richmond Strip on that fateful night in 1973. One thing that is not debated is the beautiful 52 year love story they shared. They married in 1976 and welcomed their son Kyle in 1980. Jackie was an outstanding copilot to Barry as the traversed the country together on many road trips. They traveled the world together and gathered many friends in Texas and during their time living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Wherever they went, whether it be the gas station or Australia, Jackie would make friends within minutes. She built tremendous relationships as a nurse with her patients and co-workers in oncology and pre-op assessment from the early 1970’s until retiring in 2005.

In the late 1980’s Jackie went to clown college and became Wacky Jackie. She loved to bring smiles to faces and to brighten your day. She had an infectious laugh and an eccentric style that was uniquely her own. Jackie had an Eidetic memory and could tell you what you were wearing / doing on the day she met everyone. The beautiful thing about her brain is that if she met you she never forgot it. She had a love of baking cookies and casseroles, and was immune to being on time to social events and dinner reservations throughout her life.

Jackie is survived by her husband, Barry Gibson, their son Kyle Gibson, daughter in law Teche McLean, and three grandchildren Mallory, Hoyt, and Conrad Gibson. She was incredibly happy to be their “Mimi” and they never went without a Dum-Dum when leaving her house.

The family would like to thank the outpouring of support they have received from friends as well as the pictures and kind words that were shared.

A celebration of life will be held in New Orleans in the Fall.