Ann Gilpin Deckman

Ann Lucas Gilpin Deckman, missionary, educator, writer, and poet died on June 17, 2004 in Birmingham, Alabama. Mrs. Gilpin Deckman, known for her work with inner-city poor, a pioneer in the early detection of learning disabilities in children, founder of progressive pre-school education programs, and Methodist minister’s wife, had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Ann Lucas, the oldest of four children, was born on February 6, 1920, in Camay, Texas to cowboy, rancher, and saddlemaker William Ezra Lucas and Frances Elizabeth Burnam, an Amarillo book and magazine storeowner.

A graduate of Amarillo High School and Austin College, Miss Lucas married Rev. Dr. Robert Lawrence Gilpin. Their thirty-seven-year ministry began in 1937 among Dust Bowl and Depression survivors at rural community churches in the panhandle of Texas.

Workers for social reform and inner city missionaries from the mid-1940’s into the 50’s, the Gilpins toiled hand-in-hand with residents of the poorest neighborhoods of Dallas, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. They tirelessly improved living conditions while helping families learn to help themselves. Their success in providing a safe haven for children from drugs marked them as targets for retribution.

After completing studies at Southern Methodist University and University of Denver in the mid-1950’s, the Gilpins served churches in Kountze, Beaumont, Houston, and Brenham, Texas. Dr. Gilpin died in 1974 while Pastor of 1st United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, Texas.

In addition to her ongoing service to the Methodist Church, Mrs. Gilpin helped found eight nondenominational early learning programs and pre-schools; presented over 150 book reviews; became an accomplished artist, author of children’s stories and poetry; and learned to pilot single-engine aircraft. Because of a propensity to run out of gas in her automobile, her husband considered her ability to stay airborne one of the great “mysteries of flight.”

The Gilpins reared three sons to be “men for others.” When only nineteen years old, they adopted a seriously ill baby so he would not die alone. He became a decorated war hero, serving two presidents aboard Air Force One, including President Nixon during his history-making trip to China. Another son is a minister and computer scientist, formerly with NASA; and the youngest helps social and educational causes around the world raise funds.

With Dr. Gilpin’s death, Mrs. Gilpin returned to Amarillo to manage the family business and help care for her mother. In 1981, she married long-time family friend Carl Charles Deckman of Pampa, Texas, who was baptized by Dr. Gilpin during their early 1940’s appointment to McCullough Methodist Church in Pampa. Their marriage was a tremendous blessing lasting until Mr. Deckman’s death in 1999.

Mrs. Gilpin Deckman’s contributions to others were recognized by numerous civic honors including being named Woman of the Year three times and Woman of the Decade by the Jacksonville Business and Professional Women’s Club. As a published author, she was proud to be named a member of Panhandle Pen Women. Just prior to her own illness she was applauded for her volunteer work with Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Mrs. Gilpin Deckman moved to Birmingham, Alabama, after the death of her second husband to settle into quiet retirement. She died peacefully with her family around her. She was eighty-four years old. She was preceded in death by her brother Carl Lucas.

Ann Gilpin Deckman is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, William Everett Lucas and wife Patricia Prothro Lucas of Georgetown, Texas; a sister, Margaret Lucas Johnston of Dennison, Texas; three sons and daughters-in-law: Robert Lawrence Gilpin Jr., and wife Jeanne Dick Gilpin of Houston, Texas; David Kent Gilpin and wife Rebecca Smith Gilpin of Wimberly, Texas; and Murray Scott Gilpin and wife Susan Hawthorne Nash of Birmingham, Alabama, and Bryan, Texas; and one step-son, Norman Carl Deckman and wife Lois Heimsoth Deckman of Douglas, Oklahoma. She is also survived by a niece, Kay Johnston Brewer of Dennison; a nephew, William Cone Lucas of Austin, Texas; six grandchildren, Robin Lynn Gilpin of Crested Butte, Colorado; Robert Lawrence Gilpin, III of Richmond, Virginia; Holly Gilpin Blackhurst of Lake Jackson, Texas; Robert Kent Gilpin of Katy, Texas; Matthew Lawrence Gilpin, and Jonathan David Gilpin of Wimberly, Texas; and four great grandchildren.

Family visitation will be from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, June 20, at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2004 in 1st United Methodist Church with Rev. Fred Trevino officiating. Pallbearers will be Milton Tate, Jr., Arthur Wayne Averitt, Calvin Beckendorf, Walt Schoenvogel, James Gillespie, Jr., Henry Kuecker, and Dr. Clarence Schoenvogel. Interment will follow in Prairie Lea Cemetery. A memorial service wll be held Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 3:00 p.m. in 1st United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, Texas with Rev. Kevin King officiating.

The family wishes to extend their deep appreciation to care manager, Vicki Adaway; long-time private nurses Shirley Coleman and Joyce Wheeler; and the staff of Fairhaven Retirement Center and Amedisys Hospice. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Robert and Ann Gilpin Education Fund at Wesley-Rankin Community Center, Dallas, Texas, or to the church of choice.

Funeral services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX. 979-836-3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com