BEBE GIPS WALKER 1937 - 2025
Altaleen Gips Walker, affectionately known as “Bebe” to family and friends and “Bunkie” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was born in Houston, Texas on October 8, 1937 to Alton and Sybil Gips. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on April 21, 2025.
Bebe proudly spent the first 42 years of her life in Houston, graduating from Lamar High School in 1956. She often shared fond memories of growing up in Bellaire and of dear friends that she kept from kindergarten all the way through graduation and beyond. She cherished those lifelong friendships and attended many reunions, as recently as April 20, 2024.
Her childhood summers were spent in Yorktown, Texas with her beloved German grandparents. It was there that her grandfather, a masterful bridge player, taught her the game that would become one of her lifelong passions. Bebe continued to play bridge several times a week throughout her life, as well as participating in “bridge retreats” where she would spend the whole weekend playing with friends. She had a fierce love of games and a legendary competitive streak. Whether it was bowling (she proudly earned multiple trophies and 300-point pins for perfect games), or family favorites like “Hot Dice” and “Dum Dum,” Bebe played to win—and she usually did.
In her early years, while raising her young children, Bebe worked at Pace Management, where she created advertising campaigns and helped produce shows, races, and concerts. She was instrumental in organizing major events at the Astrodome and the Summit—even contributing to the grand opening of the Superdome in New Orleans.
Later, Bebe began a successful career in real estate, where she met the love of her life, Johnny Walker. Together, they built a life and a business partnership that lasted over 50 years. Their first venture—AWC Video Corp, which reflected their sense of humor and stood for “Are We Crazy?”—evolved into Texas Televideo and Video Specialists. The business grew to include more than 40 locations across Texas and Arkansas. Johnny and Bebe eventually returned to Livingston 30 years ago.
Bebe lived life to the fullest and had a magnetic presence that lit up every room she entered. She was a natural storyteller, known for her wit, her spunk, and her unmistakable style. Though petite in stature, she was a firecracker with a big personality who made a lasting impression. She had a gift for bringing people together—whether it was her cherished “Sister Fest” or “Birthday Fest,” the Community Concert series that she helped organize, or spontaneous family gatherings. Her home was always warm and welcoming, from festive Christmases to lazy summer afternoons by the pool filled with an endless supply of waffle mix and grilled cheese sandwiches. And she did it all with perfect hair, polished nails, and color-coordinated outfits—from her jewelry to her shoes. Inspired by her grandmother, Bebe also found joy in her “silly flowers,” and her home and yard were always bursting with color and blooms.
Bebe was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Johnny, and her stepdaughter Jennifer McCage. She leaves behind her children: daughters Leigh Ann McCoy and Cathy Gips, both of Austin, Texas; sons Dan David Cryan, Jr. (Rhena) and Kenneth G. Cryan (Trudy), both of Sealy, Texas; and her sisters Judy Hodge (Marshall) and Jeri Winslett (Walter). Her legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren—Christine Madison, Lauren McCoy, Trey Cryan, Patrick Cryan, Brett Cryan, Kayleen Moseley, Kendra Fitzhenry, Preston “Bo” Cryan, AJ McCage, Blair McCage, and Joseph McCage—12 great-grandchildren, and many lifelong close friends.
A celebration of Bebe’s remarkable life will be held at the First Methodist Church of Livingston on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bebe’s memory to Bethel Baptist Church at 8815 FM 350 North, Livingston, TX 77351.
