Martha Evelyn Gipson, 83, of Madisonville, KY passed away on May 6, 2015 at her residence at The Paragon in Madisonville. She was born on July 29, 1931 in Murfreesboro, TN.

She leaves a legacy of love for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren along with everyone she knew and who knew her as the "hugger" of all... She was always eager and received much joy from being a great hugger and loved all people. She was a devout Christian and attended Madisonville First General Baptist Church of Madisonville with Pastor Darrell Menser until she became a resident at The Paragon in January, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her parents and was the daughter of Lillie Mae (Bogle) Pittard and Ernest Pittard. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank D. (Buddy) Gipson. She was one of seven children. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Elizabeth Benson and Nellie Pitts; a brother, Cecil Pittard. She was also preceded in death by a son; Alan Lovvorn (surviving is wife; Sandra).

She is survived by four daughters, Brenda Clark (Ronnie) lives in Manitou, KY, Shirley Hoskins (Charlie) of Hanson, KY; Anita Hanner (Randy) of Hanson, KY and Debbie Boxer (Scott) of Frisco, TX. She is also survived by three step daughters, Dorothy Lutz (Dennis) of Madisonville, KY, Debbie Tucker (Roger) of Madisonville, KY, and Kaye Marks (J.R.) of Madisonville, KY; a sister Edith Cornelison (Buck); brothers; Ronnie Pittard (Joanne) and Robert Pittard (Diane). She is also survived by grandchildren; Eric Lovvorn (Lisa), Brian Lovvorn (Lori), Teresa Maher (Dave), Aimee Laffoon (Jared), Brad Hanner, Lindsey Johnson (Jeremy), Kristina Boxer, Nathan Lutz (Stacie), Brandon Tucker (Jennifer), Michael Marks (Kristie) & Kim Staup (Paul), along with 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Everyone who knew Martha "Evelyn" Gipson knew how much she loved God. She celebrated her faith in Christ all the way to the end of her life...attending church at The Paragon with Brother Danny Fireline as minister there. She was quick to offer her peaceful smile to all she knew and loved getting and giving those hugs. She never stopped facing life with courage even during her difficult days with Alzheimer's disease. With hands raised toward heaven, she gave thanks and praise that blessed all those around her. Her love for God was so evident and a witness of her faith that was such an inspiration to all.

There aren't words to rightly express our love and thanks to the people who loved her... first and foremost outside her immediate family, her caregivers who grew to love her as family; and the wonderful staff at .... Senior Helpers Caregivers Association. Also, thanks to the staff at The Paragon. Such love and compassion from the staff and residents has been such a great blessing. God has guided her safely home and what a day of rejoicing it is as she is welcomed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Services will take place in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville. Visitation will be on Friday evening, May 8th from 4:00pm ~ 7:00 pm. Also; visitation before the funeral service on Saturday, May 9th after 11:00 am until service time. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 1:00 p.m. with Brother Darrell Menser officiating. Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Madisonville.

Pallbearers will be Charlie Hoskins, Randy Hanner, Brad Hanner, Brian Lovvorn, Scott Boxer and Ron Clark.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.