Elizabeth "Lib" Gibbs

Elizabeth (Lib) Russell Gibbs, 96, of Asheville, NC died at Givens Estate Health Center. She was born September 1, 1919 in middle Tennessee to Rev. Henry Alexander Russell Sr. and Martha Sutton Russell. She was also preceded in death by her husband Horton A. Gibbs who died in 2006. "Lib" was the oldest of three children who preceded her in death: Ruth E. Russell of Murfreesboro, TN., and Dr. Henry A. Russell Jr. of Meridian, MS. She is survived by one son, Walter Russell Gibbs and wife (Ann) of Roanoke Rapids, NC and granddaughters, Emily Anderson (Brendon) of Goldsboro, NC and Molly Evans (Brandon) of Roanoke Rapids, NC. Lib graduated from Middle Tennessee State Teachers College in Murfreesboro, TN with a BS degree in Home Economics in 1941. She became a Home Demonstration Agent in Wayne County, NC, then Yancey County, NC, where she met her husband Horton Gibbs and married August 23, 1944. She moved to Skyland, NC in the 1955 and taught 7th grade at Valley Springs School until her retirement in 1977. She was an active member of Skyland United Methodist Church for many years singing in the choir and serving in the United Methodist Women. Travel and camping were a large part of her life visiting all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico as well as cooking, entertaining relatives and guests from near and far. She never met a stranger. Groce Funeral Service at Lake Julian is assisting the family and a memorial service with private grave side services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Givens Estates Resident Assistance Ministry 2360 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803.