Sondra Lou Gibson

Lou was born on February 6, 1942, in Spencer, West Virginia, to Herbert and Maxine Wines. She attended JJ Kelly High School in Wise, Virginia, where she met the love of her life, Franklin Patrick (“Pat”) Gibson. After completing cosmetology school, Lou worked in various industries, always bringing her outgoing personality and gift for connecting with people. She never met a stranger and embraced each new adventure with joy and optimism.

Lou spent most of her adult life in Christiansburg, Virginia, before she and Pat embarked on a new chapter in Marietta, Georgia. In both communities, she was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and faithfully served in the churches she attended, including St. Paul United Methodist Church (Christiansburg, VA), Marietta United Methodist Church (Marietta, GA), and later in Columbia, SC. A lifelong learner, Lou was proud to have earned an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities and a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College. She was also an avid reader who cherished learning throughout her life.

Lou is survived by her three sons, whom she lovingly referred to as “my three sons”:

· Tim (Jennifer) Gibson of Camden, SC

· Mike (Jenny) Gibson of Seneca, SC

· Mitch (Deborah) Gibson of Kennesaw, GA

She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Coy Gibson (Raleigh, NC), Christopher (Chelsea) Gibson (Franklin, TN), Casey (Erick) Jordan (Raleigh, NC), Kaylee (Conner) Golden (Bluffton, SC), Grace Gibson (Jacksonville, FL), Gavin Kumar (Athens, GA), and Garrett Gibson (Kennesaw, GA). Lou was recently blessed with her first great-grandchild, Maverick Jordan (Raleigh, NC). She is also survived by her sister, Janie (William) Burkett of Newport, NC.

Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Franklin Patrick Gibson, and her parents, Herbert and Maxine Wines.

A private family graveside service is planned.

Lou was a friend to all and will be remembered for her kind notes, her gift for hospitality, and her joyful spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched.