Velma Olivia Gibbs

When peace like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say. It is well, it is well, with my soul. God called Velma Olivia Gibbs home on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Mallard Bay Nursing Home in Cambridge, MD. Velma was born on May 23, 1936 in Dorchester County to the late Charles and Maria Thomas. She recently celebrated her 80th Birthday while at Mallard Bay along with her children and grand-children. Velma was educated in the Dorchester County Public School System. She graduated from Maces Lane High School in the Class of 1954. All of her life was spent in Dorchester County. During her lifetime Velma was employed by Harper & Bateman Pickle Co. and Caroline Poultry before gaining employment with the Dorchester County Board of Education as an Instructional Assistant, where she gave 25 years of service before retiring in June 1998. After retirement, Velma started attending the Hurlock Senior Center. While attending the Senior Center she enjoyed spending time with friends, doing word-find puzzles, making crafts, learning to use the computer and challenging people to a good game of SKIP- BO. Having joined church at an early age, Velma loved her church and was always willing to assist with anything to uplift her church. She was a faithful member of Hurlock United Methodist Church, where she has served in many capacities in the church. She was a Member of the United Methodist Women, former Chairperson of the Administrative Council, former Church Treasurer, Member of the Senior and Mass Choir. She could always be found playing the piano for numerous choirs within the church until her health would no longer allow her to. On October 23, 1965, she was joined in holy matrimony to Elijah Gibbs Jr. and from this union a combined family of three daughters and two sons were formed. Velma was a loving, caring and supportive Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She took pride and joy in all of her Grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. Velma leaves to cherish her memory her children. Three daughters, Rene Thomas-McKenzie, Wilmington, DE, Davina Gibbs, Hurlock, MD and Sonya Gibbs, Harrisburg, PA. Two sons, Jody Gibbs (Sandy), Atlanta, GA and Jeffrey Gibbs (Mary), Cambridge, MD. One Sister, Vietta Allen, Hurlock, MD and one Brother, Henry Thomas, Hurlock, MD, four Sisters-in-Law, Anne Thomas, Denton, MD, Mildred Thomas, Odenton, MD, Mary Lou Gibbs and Ester Mundy (Robert) of Charleston, SC and one Brother-in-law, Willie Gibbs (Evelyn), Hurlock, MD. Thirteen Grandchildren, three Great-Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends, Margaret “Sissy” Hughes, Shirley Jackson, Shirley Jenkins, Dequota Hollis and Darnella Barnes. Her Caregiver, Denise Sampson and loving neighbors Anthony and Wanda Hughes. She was preceded in death by her parents, her Husband, Elijah Gibbs Jr, brothers, William and Vincent Thomas, sisters, Virginia Cooper and Annie Murray, Sister-In-Law Mary Thomas, Brother-In-Law George Murray Sr., a Son-in-Law, James McKenzie and a Grand-daughter, JaTare Gibbs. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Velma Olivia Gibbs, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Velma Olivia Gibbs

May 23, 1936 - June 14, 2016