Mary Adams Gibson

FAIRHOPE, AL Mary Adams Gibson was born Jan. 16, 1921 in Thomasville, AL, the eldest of three sisters (all now deceased), died in Fairhope, AL, Oct. 18, 2012. Her parents were Vernon Monroe Adams and Nellie Autry Adams. She graduated from Thomasville High School and attended Alabama School for Women (Montevallo College) and graduated with a Bachelor of Education. She worked at Tennessee Coal & Iron (US Steel) at the Ensley Works Chemistry Department during WW II, where she met her husband, Robert Bruce Gibson. They had two sons, Robert Adams and Vernon Hardy, who survive her with their wives, Mary Beth (Robert) and Sue (Vernon). Mary Gibson taught elementary school in Birmingham, and continued her education at Birmingham Southern College attaining a Masters of Education. She was appointed as elementary school principal for Dupuy Elementary and as middle school principal at Robert E. Lee Middle School in Birmingham. While active in the Alabama Educational Association and the NEA, she attended many national meetings on behalf of her school system. She also became active in the local Delta Kappa Gamma educational organization. She and her husband were active members of Central Park Methodist Church and Vestavia Hills Methodist Church. She retired in 1980 after moving to Green Valley (Hoover, AL) and renewed her gardening interest by becoming a Master Gardener with an avid interest in orchids and roses. After her husband’s death, she relocated to Fairhope, AL in 1997 and became an active member of Fairhope United Methodist Church, as well as the Baldwin County Master Gardener Association. As the oldest Master Gardener in Baldwin County, she was awarded the coveted Wayne de la Rua Award, and continued to serve to encourage others to attain this award. She also continued to encourage local youth to pursue college academics by offering the Robert Bruce Gibson Scholarship through the Fairhope UMC. This has afforded 16 individuals additional financial aid for their collegiate goals. Gifts to the Gibson Scholarship at Fairhope UMC are encouraged in lieu of flowers. Visitation will be at 10 AM Oct. 19, 2012, followed by a funeral service led by the Rev. Mike McKnight in the sanctuary of Fairhope UMC. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham with graveside services at 2 PM, Oct. 20, 2012, led by the Rev. Joe Bullington (Ret.). ARRANGEMENTS BYWOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES& CREMATORY, INC19698 GREENO ROADFAIRHOPE, AL 36532(251)-990-7775 www.wolfefuneralhome.net