Lola Vanessa Gibbs, 104

DOVER -Lola Vanessa Gibbs of Dover died Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, in her home. She was 104.

Mrs. Gibbs was born Easter Sunday, March 30, 1902, daughter of the late John and Tabitha (Gibbs) Bowers.

She was a descendent of Robert Bowers, who at one time owned much of Bowers Beach. She was the great-great-great-granddaughter of Absalom Gibbs, who was listed in historical documents as a free African American and who built most of the historic homes in Camden. Some of these homes included hiding places for fugitive slaves in the Underground Railroad.

Mrs. Gibbs attended one-room schools through the eighth grade. She then attended Delaware State College (now University), which was a school for grades 9-12 and a college for colored students, graduating in 1922 with a teaching certificate.

She taught for two years in a one-room school in St. Jones Neck. She decided to return to Delaware State College to obtain an additional teaching degree. Afterwards, she taught in Delaware schools until her retirement in 1969.

Mrs. Gibbs, dedicating her life to public service, was a member of the Kent County Teachers Association, 4-H, Rock of Ages, Chapter 15 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Links, AARP, the Women's Auxiliary of Delaware Hospital of the Chronically Ill and the Delaware Prison Arts Advisory Board of the Delaware Department of Correction. In most of these organizations, she served in an official capacity. She was one of the founding members of the Historical Society of Star Hill and the African-American Museum, where she served as president. She also was a member of Star Hill A.M.E. Church for 96 years, where she was the pianist for 82 years. Additionally, she served as church clerk and treasurer for 55 years. Having served on all official boards of Star Hill A.M.E. Church, she also was a life member of the A.M.E. Women's Missionary Society.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, Edward B. Gibbs, whom she had married June 9, 1931; and a son, her only child, Edward B. Gibbs Jr.

She is survived by two grandsons and their wives, Edward B. III and Robin Gibbs of Falls Church, Va., and John L. and Colleen Gibbs of Fayetteville, N.C.; two granddaughters, Angela M. Brittingham, and her husband, Charles Brittingham, of Seaford, and Anita L. Gibbs of Star Hill; a loving and caring companion of many years, Edwina Hines; six great-grandchildren; seven nieces; two nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends may call from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday in Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday in Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Queen and Fulton streets, Dover, where friends also may call two hours earlier.

Burial will be in Gibbs Memorial Gardens, Camden.