Florence Deaner Gibson

Born in Charlotte County (Abilene), VA., on January 18, 1920, Mrs. Gibson was the daughter of Stanhope Deaner and Carrie Verna Jennings Deaner. She was one of five children including Ernest Lacy Deaner, Stanhope Clinton Deaner, Martha Southard Deaner Fox and Eunice Marjorie Deaner Carter. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Herbert Given Gibson, Jr., as well as her parents and her siblings.

Even after skipping a grade, Mrs. Gibson ended her high school days as valedictorian of her high school class in Charlotte County, VA. After high school, she moved to Richmond where she met her husband and then traveled during World War II. Mrs. Gibson also resided in Henrico County, Hanover County and Chesapeake, VA.

An active member of Westhampton United Methodist Church in Richmond, Mrs. Gibson served as president of the Women's Society of Christian Service (United Methodist Women) and received a service pin for her contributions. She taught Sunday school, was active in her circle, and was a devoted prayer group participant. She spent every winter making baby blankets for newborns. While living with Olivia, her eldest daughter, she attended Deep Creek United Methodist Church in Chesapeake.

She is survived by three daughters, Olivia G. Jankosky, Carole G. Flemming (John IV), and Brenda G. Davidson (Steve); five grandchildren: Scott J. Davidson (Tiera), Michelle (Shelly) J. Whittaker (Bill), William (Billy) E. Jankosky, Robert (Bobby) E. Jankosky (Terry), and John (Ace) P. Flemming V; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

This spunky redhead will always be remembered for her expertise in gardening, dress-making, spelling (2nd place state champion), cooking, dining etiquette, naming states and their capitals, working puzzles, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, canning/freezing vegetables, making pickles, and singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," but most of all, she will be remembered for doing the right thing, educating her daughters, and having Christ and His church as the center of her life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 1, 2014, from 10 to 11 a.m. with a funeral service following at 11 a.m. at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Rd., Richmond, VA. 23229. Interment will be in Westhampton Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund at Westhampton United Methodist Church, 6100 Patterson Ave., Richmond, VA. 23226. Online condolences woodyfuneralhome.com.