Lori Gibson

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Lori Lynn (Oeffner) Gibson, age 56, of Grandville, MI, passed away on August 15, 2021, at her home after a year-long battle with cancer. Her husband and two sons were at her side when she went to be with the Lord. Lori was born in Detroit, MI on March 16, 1965, and was the daughter of Leo (Donna) Oeffner and the late Betty Oeffner. She is survived by her husband, Joel Gibson; their two sons, Joshua and James; brothers, Kevin (Loree) Oeffner, Mark (Nancy) Oeffner; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lori lived her life as a wonderful Christian example to others, and her faith was unwavering throughout her battle with cancer. She especially touched many with her attitude and outlook over the past year and continued to praise God despite knowing her prognosis was bleak. Lori was the perfect companion to her husband, Joel; they loved each other deeply and were best friends. They were married for 28 years with their most recent anniversary one day prior to her death. She loved spending time with her family, dining out, traveling, attending her kid’s sporting events, and worshipping at Calvary Church of Grand Rapids where she and her husband were members. Her sons meant so much to her and her legacy will live on for years through their lives. Joshua is a professional golfer and Lori loved to watch him play while her husband served as his caddy. James graduated this spring from the University of Michigan and recently joined a pharmaceutical company in Grand Rapids as a chemical engineer. Lori graduated from Wheaton College (B.S., 1986), the University of Michigan (M.S., 1987), and the University of Minnesota (J.D., 1993). After receiving her law degree, Lori worked at the firm Warner Norcross and Judd in Grand Rapids. She practiced employment law and served on the firm’s career development and recruiting committees. Lori also worked as the Director of Human Resources and Vice President of Operations with Spectrum Health Continuing Care in Grand Rapids. Most recently, Lori was the COO of Smith Haughey, Rice and Roegge where she managed business operations of the law firm’s four offices. Lori was intelligent, had a beautiful smile, and touched the lives of so many people over the years. Though her family will miss her greatly, they are thankful to God for his redeeming love which Lori embraced so passionately and are comforted in the assurance that they will see her again. Lori wished to thank Faith Hospice for their compassionate care during the last days of her life. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021, at 11 am at Calvary Church, 707 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, 49525. Burial Boynton Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday, August 19, from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Scarves of Hope Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Fund at www.hopescarves.org.