A Hannibal beauty shop is moving forward despite the loss of its owner earlier this year.
Colleen's Beauty Salon has been located at 315 Broadway in Hannibal for more than 30 years and it will continue because of the generosity of its owner to her longtime employees even after death.
Colleen Gibbons had been styling hair in Hannibal for more than 50 years before she lost her battle with heart disease in November. But perhaps what she was known for most was her kindness and dedication to all who crossed her path.
And when Gibbons began facing health problems, she continued to think of what would happen to her employees after her passing. She continued to work through illnesses to keep up with all her friends and customers. Linda Seals and Teresa Nett worked alongside her for many years as her employees. For years Colleen said she wanted them to take over the business, no strings attached. And when she died, she kept her word...leaving everything in this shop to her loyal employees.
Seals said, "She wanted to make sure we had somewhere to go."
And with her gift, the new business owners are keeping the name.
Nett said, "There was no question we would keep it Colleen's beauty salon because it's hers."
These ladies are still amazed with Colleen's love and generosity...and hope to pass on the good deed to other stylists in the future. In the meantime, Colleen will always have a place of honor in her shop -- a picture displayed proudly in the beauty parlor.
Colleen Gibbons also opened Hannibal's first Beauty School during her 50 years in the salon business.
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