Connie Marie York

Connie Marie York left this world on March 19, 2021, at the age of 42 years old in Dallas, Texas. She is with her Lord and Savior, parents, and other relatives and friends who preceded her in death.

Connie Marie York was born Connie Marie Gibbs in Dallas, Texas, on December 13, 1978, to Phil and Mary Ann Gibbs. She was an answer to many prayers and brought so much joy to her parents and family immediately upon arrival. She grew to be a beautiful young girl with bouncy dark curls in her hair. Connie became a proud big sister in December of 1981, with the arrival of her baby brother Matthew. Connie claimed to be “his keeper” until the day she departed this world.

Connie attended school in Mabank, Texas, all her days from Kindergarten to graduation in 1997. Connie maintained many friendships throughout her school years in Mabank. Friends described her as a fun-loving, scooter riding girl with a beautiful and contagious smile. Connie was loyal, loving, creative, and protective of those she loved. She was the kind of friend to show up with her mom when you were in the hospital and fight ICU nurses to see you. She’d hold your hand, make you laugh, and then cry along with you. She always knew just what you needed.

Connie was involved in the Mabank Panther Band. She played the French Horn. She was extremely intelligent and earned her membership in the National Honors Society. She graduated Class of 1997 from Mabank High School. She went on to College at Baylor University. She was a proud Golden Wave Band member and active in Tau Beta Sigma. She majored in Telecommunications and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts in 2001. She also gained a multitude of life-long friends while at Baylor University. She had the ability to win the heart of all who met her. Her friends described her as fierce, fun-loving, kind, and the best “hug giver” of all.

Connie thought she wanted a career in movie production. To her surprise, that wasn’t where her heart was at after all. She found her true calling as a teacher. She taught for many years in local area schools and really loved her time in special education. She would teach other grades and other subjects but returned to her love for special needs students at Kemp ISD.

Connie loved teaching, her Baylor Bears, Great Danes, and cooking, a love inspired by her mom and time together in “Mom's Kitchen.” Connie’s life was forever changed when her daughter, Natalie Marie Tozcik, was born on November 29, 2011. Connie found a whole new meaning and purpose in her life. She loved being Natalie’s Mom more than anything in this world.

Connie met the love of her life, Justin York, in September 2016. They were married with their three children James, Harley, Natalie, with a small group of friends and family in attendance in Mabank, Texas, on June 23, 2017. They blended their families together beautifully. Justin and Connie modeled their vows for better or for worse.

Connie suffered a major heart attack and stroke in January 2019. This was a huge life change for Connie, but she never lost faith in her Savior and ultimate healer, Jesus Christ. Connie continued to be who she was along her journey, kind, loving, loyal, and an inspiration to us all. Connie was an amazing wife, mother, sister, and friend. Connie encouraged others with scriptures and testimony of God’s goodness in the most difficult of times until the day Jesus called her home.

Connie is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Donald and Hilah Jo Gibbs; her maternal grandparents Connie and Maureen Hyde; her parents Phil and Mary Ann Gibbs.

Connie is survived by her husband Justin York and their children Natalie Tozcik, James and Harley York of Eustace, Texas; brother Matthew Gibbs, wife Julie and their six children Trenten, Jonah, Noah, Eli, Jayden, and Ella Jae of Mabank, Texas; brother John Sullivan, wife Deranda and daughter Ava of Mabank, Texas; many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, extended family, family by choice, and friends.