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Eleanor Gibbs
Eleanor Gibbs September 17, 1921-June 29, 2019 Seven Springs-Ms. Eleanor Gibbs, 97, completed her extraordinary life on June 29, 2019. Eleanor was born to the late Walter Raleigh Gibbs and Mary Lou Quinn Gibbs in Wayne County on September 17, 1921. In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Seawell Gibbs, and her sister, Hilda Gibbs. The second of three children, Eleanor was a bit mischievous as a youngster. She often joked when she was older that the reason she lived so long was because she was a “mean child”. Eleanor was a chemist in the Horticulture Department at North Carolina State University which later became the Food Sciences Department from 1942 until 1994. Eleanor was an avid sports fan. A gifted, natural athlete, she enjoyed golf, basketball, bowling and fishing. She was proud to be part of the Seven Springs High School Basketball team during their infamous streak of championships in the 1930’s. Her athleticism continued to shine as she took home numerous trophies to celebrate the many club championships she won playing golf. It wasn't until the age of 80 that she gracefully decided it was time to lay aside the putters, wedges, irons, and woods. From that point forward her passion for sports was satisfied as long as she had control of the remote and could watch her favorite sports channels. If she wasn’t playing or watching sports, you would most likely find Eleanor working out in the yard. She was passionate about her vegetable garden and found joy in caring for her azaleas and camellias. Eleanor took pride in her yard and her house. She and her sister were able to maintain their childhood homestead and they spent many wonderful years there together. Her lovely home reflected her love of the Seven Springs community. Eleanor’s heart for Seven Springs was seen in her great generosity towards the Seven Springs Fire Department and Seven Springs Baptist Church. She eventually became the oldest member of Seven Springs Baptist Church. She genuinely loved the people around her, and that love was reciprocated. There wasn’t a more giving soul than Eleanor’s. Deeply rooted with a love of family, Eleanor was the best aunt anyone could ask for. She considered her niece, Mary Wallace, to be her own child, and Mary Wallace’s children were like grandchildren. Mary Wallace, affectionately dubbed “Sweetie”, held the keys to Eleanor’s heart. Quite the character, Eleanor was always fun to be around. She was always witty and quick with a comeback, even to the end. Her family carries many fond memories of the precious times they spent together. There will truly never be another Eleanor. A service to celebrate and remember the life of Eleanor will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Seven Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Seven Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a coffee and donut reception in the fellowship hall from 9-10 a.m. Eleanor is survived by her beloved niece, Mary Wallace Gibbs Vickory and husband, Denny; great-niece, Mary Carmen Vickory, whom she lovingly referred to as “Little Sweetie”; great-nephew, Hill Donald Vickory; sister-in-law, Carolyn Wallace Gibbs; and cousin, Molly Sloan and husband, Conrad. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Joann Price who affectionately took Eleanor under her wing when Eleanor’s health started to decline. Joann brought Eleanor joy daily with her visits and gardening expertise. The family is especially grateful for her presence when Eleanor left her home for the last time. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for her amazing caregivers, in particular, Joyce Smith, who was her right hand and dear friend for eight years, along with Bonnie Farmer, Kristy Barfield, and Terry Norville whose work was greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, Eleanor would request that memorial contributions be made to the Seven Springs Fire Department, PO Box 116, Seven Springs, NC 28578, or Seven Springs Baptist Church Women’s Missionary Union, 5924 Highway 55 East, Seven Springs, NC 28578. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home.September 17, 1921 - June 29, 201909/17/192106/29/2019
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Eleanor Gibbs
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