Woodrow Jefferson Gibbs Jr.

Woody was born to Woodrow J. Gibbs and Drotha L. Gibbs (nee Stovall) on the 6th Day of November, 1948 in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in Prichard and Saraland, Alabama, attending Bienville Elementary School, Prichard Junior High School, and graduating from C. F. Vigor High School in 1967. Woody went on to further his education, attending William Carey University (formerly known as William Carey College, named for the famous English Baptist missionary to India and Bible translator) located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; graduating from William Carey in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Teaching Certificate.

Woody continued his higher education by attending, and receiving his Master of Science Degree from, Mississippi College, one of the oldest colleges in the United States (1826) and the first U. S. coeducational college to confer degrees to women, located in Clinton, Mississippi.

Later, Woody would go on to continue his formal education for many years attending classes and performing fieldwork through multiple institutions of higher learning, thus enhancing his knowledge of science and, in particular, his considerable knowledge of Marine Biology.

He was an educator by profession, having taught science and biology to both middle school and high school students over several decades and in several locations within the State of Mississippi (Yazoo City, Jackson, and Biloxi) and also in Mobile, Alabama. He spent most of his teaching experience at Biloxi High School teaching Marine Biology, from whence he retired several years ago. He truly loved teaching young minds and especially his time teaching Marine Biology. For many years, the school and his classroom and adjoining aquarium room were strategically situated directly across the highway from the Gulf of Mexico. His typical day involved routine trips adjourning to the Gulf with his classes as they learned hands-on about the animal and plant inhabitants of the ocean, collecting live samples and returning them to the aquariums for study throughout the school year.

Woody was also an accomplished welder, working in various marine construction and other types of industrial settings during many summers away from his classrooms. He also worked as a volunteer for several years in his retirement with The American Cancer Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

As most all who knew him will surely attest, Woody was truly a unique person in many ways; including his usual jovial demeanor, easy smile and his (mostly abstract) artistic abilities.

He is survived by his loving sister, Jacquelyn G. Bailey, his nephew Marcus E. Bailey and wife Sharon L. Bailey, grandnieces Rachael Dannelley (Josh) and children, Olivia Pope (Dustin) and children, several loving cousins, lifelong friends and neighbors. Special thanks for so much assistance and the many kindnesses extended to Woody by his cousins Jane Agee and son Braxton Agee of Magnolia Springs along with his wonderful neighbors Beth and Bob Prast and Jim Henson and family also of Magnolia Springs; and very special appreciation and love is extended to Sandra R. Langham for her wonderful guidance, love and support.

Most important of all, in recent weeks and days, Woody gave a rather lengthy testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ to his sister and nephew, having been saved at the age of 8 years old at Wilson Avenue Baptist Church in Prichard, where his family attended services for many years. As he came out of the recent surgical procedure, Woody clearly and accurately recited for us the 23rd Psalm and had prayer with Marcus and Sharon.

We who loved him and will miss him more than words can say take great solace in the hope and expectation that Woody is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents, Woodrow and Drotha, and forever in the presence of Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Woody's Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Shelton Beach Baptist Church, Saraland, Alabama.

The family request in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be offered to the Ministry of Shelton Beach Baptist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com