Sophie Ann Cassidy Gibson

Sophie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carroll Gibson, with whom she shared 64 years of loving marriage. Together, they raised five children: Julia Ann Gibson Harwell (widow of Mark), Carl Cassidy Gibson (Theresa), Ghislaine Marie Gibson Christiansen (Tim), and John Aswell Gibson (Barbara). She was also preceded in death by her eldest son, William “Bill” Joseph Gibson.

She is also predeceased by her parents, Julia Elizabeth Heck Cassidy and Carl Louis Cassidy, and her sister, Julia Colleen Cassidy Ferry.

Sophie's legacy lives on through her children, 11 grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, former students, and countless others whose lives she touched with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering compassion.

A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Sophie dedicated her life to both her family and to education. She began her career as a devoted homemaker and went on to become a pioneering advocate for children with learning differences. Her passion for education led her to help establish the Reading Research Institute for Dyslexia of Baton Rouge, working alongside Dr. Charles Shedd.

Sophie later returned to LSU to earn her master’s degree in education and served as the first principal of the Brighton School (formerly the DePaul School), where she led with heart and vision for 27 years. Her work in the field of dyslexia education had a profound impact, both locally and nationally. She served on the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (LaBIDA) from 1987 to 1995, including a term as president from 1988 to 1990. In 2011, she was honored with the Etoile DuBard Award of Excellence by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council, recognizing her outstanding contributions to individuals with language-based learning disabilities and her mentorship of countless professionals.

Sophie’s commitment to service extended beyond the classroom. A devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Aloysius Parish, she was active in the prison ministry at St. Gabriel’s Prison for Women. She also served her community through the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, always leading with grace and generosity.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Boulevard, Baton Rouge. A rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will take place at Greenoaks Memorial Park.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Claiborne at Baton Rouge and The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge or to the Dyslexic Association of Greater Baton Rouge.

May Sophie’s life continue to inspire, and her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.