Loriece "Riece" Lavern Gibson

Loriece “Riece” Lavern Gibson of Flint surrendered to her Heavenly Father late in the afternoon on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, surrounded by her family. What a warrior! She fought long and hard to sustain her life on earth, but could not battle the horrific infection that invaded her lungs. She was born in Union Bower to Lawson and Jenny Aderholt on November 2, 1935. Riece moved with her husband and four children to East Texas in 1961 to be close to her sister, and this was home for the next 53 years. The family will host a visitation at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Saturday, February 22, 2014 from 2:00- 3:00 PM. A private graveside service will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with Don Crawford officiating. Riece will be laid to rest next to her deceased 10 year old son, Frank Allen Tutt. She is survived by her son, Michael Jay Tutt and wife Debra of Waxahachie; daughter, Kay Bellar and husband Roger of Tyler; son, Todd Tutt and wife Karen of Tyler; and sister, Colleen Porter of Tyler. She remains beloved Nannie to Sabrina Tutt, of Tyler, Todd Bellar and wife Lauryn of Pittsburgh, PA, Justin Tutt and wife Haley of Tyler, Amanda Huggins and husband Cole of Plano, Charles Tutt of Wichita Falls, Chance Tutt of Lubbock and Nicholas Tutt of Lubbock. She held a special place in the hearts of niece, Jenny and nephew Paul. She also leaves behind many special friends: Don, Donnie, Mary Lou, Beth, Roy, Jean, Guy, Lynn and lifelong best friend, LaJuanna Banning. Her sweet little dachshund and companion, Dixie, will miss greeting her at the door and spending time sitting in her lap while having her back rubbed. Riece leaves a legacy of servant hood, loyalty and hard work to those who will follow in her footsteps. She never hesitated telling others that she did not have many earthly possessions, but she would be the first to serve others and share whatever she had. Most who knew her had the privilege of enjoying one of her beautiful, delicious pies. No one could bake a better pie than Riece and no matter how hard all of us tried it never looked or tasted like hers. The kitchen was her sweet spot, and cooking was one of her gifts. She was such a great cook, and if one tasted her fried chicken or cream gravy, they surely agreed. And rumor has it, a family feud was always brewing over who would get the most chocolate fried pies at Christmas. Hiding fried pies from each other is a family tradition we will certainly miss. Some of the fondest days were spent working at the West Erwin Benevolence Center serving others. In fact, she was eager to get well so that she could return to this labor of love. She was also a faithful member of the West Erwin Church of Christ. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff on the Continued Care floor of Mother Frances Hospital and the loving staff at Hospice Homeplace. These very special people made her feel loved with their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, Riece requested donations be made to The West Erwin Benevolence Center, 420 W. Erwin, Tyler, 75702 or the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler75701.

Loriece "Riece" Lavern Gibson

November 2, 1935 - February 19, 2014