Gibson’s Mother: ‘She Was Full Of Life.’
Family and friends of Ashley Gibson, who died last week, address the media in Champaign Wednesday. Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media
Ashley Gibson’s mother says her daughter had big dreams - with plans to leave Champaign and join the military. Ranae Gibson’s comments Wednesday were the first from the family of the 24-year old from Urbana since authorities reported her dismembered remains were found in Clinton Lake on Sunday.
Ranae Gibson says her daughter was full of life.
“She never met a stranger – she was just always happy," she said. "You see her pictures, she was always like that, no matter what she was going through, you never knew, because she always wanted to make somebody else happy."
"Even if you upset her, she said, 'I love you anyway," said Fess Hawkins, Gibson's cousin. "And would leave you with a smile, even if you made her upset."
No arrests have been made, but police have investigated a house on Hedge Road in Northwest Champaign, where Ashley Gibson was last seen on April 17th. She was the subject of a missing and endangered persons report issued by police last week.
Renee Gibson says she believes the person or persons responsible for the crime is tied to that home.
Ashley Gibson has two brothers and three sisters, and two children of her own, ages 8 and 3.
An Ashley Gibson memorial fund has been set up at U of I Community Credit Union to pay for funeral services.
Two services have been scheduled - a candlelight vigil will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, at Church of the Living God, at 1109 N. Fourth Street in Champaign.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Monday at the church.