SUE KIPP GILL
1932-2017
Sue Kipp Gill passed through the gates of Heaven on the 1st day of December, 2017. She departed suddenly after succumbing to complications from a stroke, leaving family and friends in a state of shock and grief . This radiant and beautiful child was born in San Antonio, TX on August 17, 1932 to Flora Thomas and Robert Otho Kipp. Having graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 1950, she attended Sofie Newcomb College in New Orleans, LA and then completed her education at the University of Texas at Austin.
In 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Fredrick Gill. As a military family they lived in Alexandria, LA and Corpus Christi, TX before finally establishing their homestead in Houston, TX to raise their four children. Up until the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, Sue lived in that same home in Meyerland for 55 years next door to her loving neighbors Madeline and Dr. Michael Appel, whom she adored dearly.
Sue cherished her role as mom and homemaker, always smiling with a twinkle in her eye. She was an exceptional cook with unforgettable recipes that will be enjoyed for many generations to come. In addition to supporting her children’s school, St. Thomas’ Episcopal, Sue was active in the Republican Women’s Houston Chapter, serving as its President in the 70’s. Once her children were grown, she began a 17 year sales career working part time at the Neiman Marcus Houston Galleria store in the Epicurean Department. After retiring from Neiman Marcus, she sharpened her skills at Bridge by playing in numerous weekly groups up until the time of her death. She frequently enjoyed traveling the world with her four close, childhood friends, as well as her children.
Above all, Sue’s happiest moments were spent at the Gill Family Farm that she and Raymond established 51 years ago. Located near Brenham, TX, it was a venue where she loved to orchestrate family holiday celebrations, entertain during Round Top Antique weekends, organize Bridge tournaments, and host many other memorable assemblies of friends and family. Sue was at her beloved farm preparing for the family Thanksgiving gathering when her sudden illness overtook her. She certainly would not have chosen any other place to finish her life on earth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Bobby, and her oldest son, Kip. She leaves behind her children: Steve (Jo Lynn), Leslie (Cameron), James (Janette); her grandchildren: Rachel (Mike), Brett (Kayla), Scott (fiancé Haley), Randall, Ashley, Allison, Claire, and James; Great grandchildren: Julia, Andrew, and Holly Grace.
Sue was an incredible example of grace, beauty, humility, and kindness. Our hearts are broken at her sudden passing, but we find comfort in knowing that she has entered the pearly gates of Heaven to dance with Jesus and all those who arrived before her. A memorial service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7th at Southwest Presbyterian Church, 6033 S. Rice Avenue, Bellaire, TX followed by a celebration of life on Saturday, December 9th at the family farm in Brenham, TX.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Sue’s church, Southwest Presbyterian or a charity of your choice.