Doris Tibbs

Doris Eileen Tibbs was born on February 18, 1963, in Alton Illinois to Bertha and Arthur Gieker. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Doris was the glue that held our family together, the heart of our family and home and her selflessness knew no bounds.

Doris cherished bringing loved ones together as often as she could. Doris always went out of her way to make sure everyone felt welcome and included whether it was through her delicious cooking or her infectious smile. Doris had her own cleaning service and worked as a caregiver. She was an active member of Prairieland ABATE and a Widows Son’s Lady. Always finding a way to give back to her community, she donated her time by organizing benefits to raise money for other families who had lost someone or were battling an illness. She also assisted with other events such as Christmas in October and Shop with a Cop, spreading joy and hope for those who needed it most. Doris valued her time with her family, she would bring us together each holiday and enjoyed cooking our holiday dinners. Her generosity extended beyond her family as she made plates for her elderly clients during the holidays to ensure they had a holiday meal, to make sure they never felt lonely or forgotten. Doris had a passion for shopping, and always managed to find the best deals. Her true joy came from capturing memories through her “fly-photography.” She would take a ton of pictures, (it did not matter what the picture looked like, she was posting it). As we now only have memories and photos, we realize how precious every moment was and that they were worth preserving. Doris had the biggest heart of anyone we knew and her love for her family and friends was unquestionable. She welcomed everyone with open arms and a kiss on the cheek, making sure they felt loved and valued. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the memories she created. Doris embodied the true spirit of selflessness and compassion. She was a matriarch in every sense of the word, ALWAYS putting others before herself and showering them with love and kindness.

On April 16, 2024, Doris Eileen Tibbs, 61, of Decatur Illinois, transitioned from this earth far too soon and has left behind so much love and so many memories for us all to cherish. She leaves behind her loving husband and soulmate of 24 years, Todd Tibbs, two handsome sons Jeremy (Kristine) Pollock, and Joshua Pollock and her beautiful daughter Java Pollock, whom she loved unconditionally. A stepdaughter Stephanie Tibbs, stepson Cody Tibbs and additional bonus children, Brock (Amanda) Eckert, Mason Gifford, and Kelsey Miller. She also leaves behind sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who she absolutely adored. She has also left behind four loving brothers, Michael (Teresa) Short, Robert (Jaimie) Gieker, Danny Gieker and Chris (Monica) Gieker. She also left behind some amazing friends that turned into family Kim Livingood, Valerie Gifford and several nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her mother Bertha Gieker, her father Arthur Gieker, her sister Martha Cissna, a brother Kevin Gieker and sister-in-law Darlene Gieker as well as many other family, friends and loved ones. Your presence in this world will be missed but you are now at peace our sweet angel.

We will continue to honor her spirit of kindness and generosity. A celebration of life will be held on June 2nd, 2024, at the VFW in Decatur, Illinois. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” —Helen Keller.

“If Roses Grow in Heaven” – Dolores M. Garcia

If roses grow in heaven, Lord please pick a bunch for me, place them in my Mother’s arms and tell her they’re from me. Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, but there is an ache withing my heart that will never go away.