Shirley B. Gibson

Born to J.B. & Fannie Blanton of Mt. Olive, S.C. Jean was proceeded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, William (Bill) D. Gibson (D.2003), Brother Mr. Rodney (Moonyeen) Blanton, Sister Mrs. Sharon (Louis) Williams, and Grandson Franklin D. Gibson/Day.

She is survived by her two sons: John W. Gibson, N. Myrtle Beach, SC. Manning D. Gibson (Thomas E. Day) Charlotte, NC and five grandsons Kendall, Donald, Corey & Anson Gibson/Day, Jacob Spitler all residing in Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her two sisters Mrs. Jackie (David) Davies of Inman, SC and Mrs. Joy (Forrest) Britt of Richburg, SC.

Jean graduated from Floyds High School 1949(Nichols, SC), Winthrop College B.S.1953(Rock Hill SC), and earned multiple Master’s Degrees from both Indiana University (Bloomington, Ind.), and Indiana State University (Terre Haute, In.). Included in these; Masters in Secondary Administration (Secondary Principal’s License 1976), and Masters in Secondary Guidance (Secondary Guidance License 1981). She was certified and registered by the State Board of Education in both the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Indiana. In the late 60’s she was instrumental in establishing The George Wythe Day Care for Working Single Women (George Wythe High School, Richmond Va.), which was the first to be acknowledged in the State of Virginia, for this type of childcare center. She also spent a term in French Guiana, South America assisting the Secretary of Education with Curriculum Programming.

After a notable career in Education, both in the classroom and in Administration, where she served as the Washington School District’s first female Vice Principle, she retired from her final role as Head of Guidance, Washington High School. (1996 - Washington, IN).

Jean was devoted to her Faith, Family, Friends and Community, in that order.

She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church (Mount Olive, SC), St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Richmond, VA), Christ United Methodist Church (Washington, In.), and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (N. Myrtle Beach, SC). During her membership at St. Stephen’s, she was voted in as Senior Warden of the Vestry, the first female to hold this position in the State of South Carolina.

She was affiliated with various Boards, including National Association of Secondary Principals, Delta Kappa Gamma, Tri Kappa, NEA, ISTA, National Association of Educators, and ECW.

After retirement, Jean and Bill settled into their home in the Cherry Grove Section of North Myrtle Beach, SC., but didn’t slow down. The couple were able to travel extensively domestically and abroad, living their best life. Represented by Marilyn’s Model and Talent Agency, they were featured in a myriad of Home Health Care advertisements together. Jean was featured in the high-profile Nations Bank (BofA) Electronic/Phone Banking Campaign and became the “Biscuit Lady” for Hardee’s Restaurant Franchises. The couple was active with the St. Stephen’s Rummage Sales, where for over 15 years Jean oversaw the Collectables Section, of the highly successful bi-annual event.

She was always her son’s and grandson’s biggest cheerleader and life supporter. Her love, laughter (Oh-Me-Hoy), and direction provided a compass to all. A Matriarch and Southern Lady, her energy was boundless, and her endeavors were taken on in high heels and pearls. Her aspirations, inspiration and convictions were always fronted with her vigor and determination. Jean was an avid gardener, and when not in the dirt, she enjoyed rocking with friends on her front porch watching the waves roll in. She also enjoyed hosting the infamous Friday Night Hand & Foot games and dinners. “Shirely B” lived a long and inspiring life, and the family was truly blessed and admired her strength and fulfillment.

A Memorial Service will be held on February 21, 2026 @ 1:00 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church – 801 11th Ave. North, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. The Interment, at the St. Stephen’s Columbarium will proceed the service, with a reception following. The Service will be presided by Very Rev. Canon Dr. Wilmot T. Merchant II.

The Family asks in lieu of flowers, that a gift in her name, be made to the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church’s Landscape and Beautification Committee. A perfect tribute to the Lady that loved the gardens and property surrounding the Church and Columbarium. Her appreciation of beauty and nature will be perpetual with the plantings of the “Shirley B.” hybrid daylily (est.2012) in the Columbarium Garden.