Virginia Dare Mackey Gibbs, 84

GEORGETOWN - Virginia Dare Mackey Gibbs of Georgetown died Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at her residence of natural causes. She was 84.

She was a member of the Watch God Move Christian Center in Bridgeville and for many years, she was employed as a production worker at Cargill Inc., in Harbeson. This company was the former Paramount Poultry Co.

Mrs. Gibbs was inducted into Paramount's 25-year club for having completed 25 years of service prior to her retirement.

Mrs. Gibbs was a senior companion for the First State Community Action Program in Georgetown and through this program she provided home care assistance services to senior citizens within their own homes.

Mrs. Gibbs was a senior citizen who kept busy. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and fellowshipping with family and friends.

She was especially fond of family "fish fries" and for this she had earned the honor of being organizer, chef and supervisor.

She dedicated many years to feeding her neighbors and community members. In 1989, she was recognized by Mayor Bob Rickards and the town of Georgetown for her dedication and perseverance in developing and carrying out this project year after year. This was an event that began with Mrs. Gibbs feeding approximately 50 persons, and at the last dinner she hosted, there was at least 500 in attendance. No one was ever turned away, and no one ever left hungry.

In addition to her parents, Preston and Jane Mackey, Mrs. Gibbs was preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Gibbs Sr.; two daughters, Thelma Gibbs and Geraldine Gibbs; and a son, Thomas Gibbs.

She is survived by four sons, Nathaniel "Bone" and his wife, Christina Gibbs Sr. of Dover, Harry "Little Jack" and his wife, Gwendolyn Gibbs of Harbeson, Charles and his wife, Velma Gibbs of Sharptown and Matthew Gibbs of Georgetown; one daughter, Nancy Lee Gibbs of Georgetown; two brothers, Gilbert and his wife, Estella Mackey and William and his wife, Shirley Mackey of Millsboro; 28 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; one godchild, Smithie James of Harrington; a special and devoted friend throughout many years, Hilda Applewhite; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends may call Sunday evening from 6-9 at St. John's 2nd Baptist Church, Mt. Joy, Millsboro, for a Homegoing Celebration/Viewing.

Funeral services will be April 28 at the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Engelhard, N.C.

Interment will be in the Mackey Family Cemetery in Engelhard, N.C.

Arrangements by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Greenwood.