Kindlyn Gibson

Kindlyn Ann Gibson, affectionately known as Ann, was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to Barbara J. Gibson and Clarence Rainey. The youngest of four children, she was raised by a single mother in the Juniper Gardens housing projects. Her humble beginnings helped shape the hardworking, compassionate, and resilient woman she became. Ann was raised in St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained connected throughout her life.
A 1979 graduate of Washington High School, Ann began her career at Jostens/Artex before making a life-changing decision to return to college at age 36. While raising two teenage daughters, one of whom was pregnant, she pursued a degree in Business Administration at Penn Valley Community College. Despite the demands of motherhood and life's many challenges, she persevered and graduated in May 1996 with her Associate Degree. For Ann, this accomplishment was about more than education; she wanted her daughters to see that it was never too late to pursue a dream or create a better future.
Ann went on to build a career in customer service and healthcare, working at Teletech, T-Mobile, E-Finance, and Lucet Health, where she served as a Healthcare Navigator until her health led to retirement in 2024. Throughout her life, she faced serious health challenges with determination, while continuing to care for the people she loved.
Ann opened her home to family, gave generously, and was always willing to help someone in need. Her infectious laugh, lively personality, love of traveling, cooking, shopping, and finding a good bargain made her unforgettable. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she delighted in making sure the people she loved felt remembered and special. She also loved playing Spades, Bid Whist (Bid Wiz), and dominoes with family and friends.
Ann's life was a testament to perseverance, generosity, and love. From her humble beginnings to earning her degree while raising her daughters, she showed that life's circumstances do not have to define one's future. Her legacy lives on through the family she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the example she set for generations to come.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara J. Gibson and Clarence Rainey.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Komesha De'Sean Darnett Gautt (Randy Gautt) and Kindlyn Kayyon Williams (Mike Williams); grandsons, Kendal Lee Andrew and Michael De'Sean; great-grandchildren, Michael De'Sean Jr., Mieleigh Marie, and Govani De'Sean; siblings, Darnett Smittie (Andre), Lueray Gibson, Stanley Gibson, and Joyce Rainey; nephews, Montello Smittie and Elanzo Smittie; and a host of cousins, extended family members, close friends, neighbors, and former coworkers.
Though her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in knowing that Ann is no longer in pain. Her earthly battles are over, and she now rests in peace and wholeness of her Heavenly Father's presence. Rest well, Ann.