Ruth B. Gibson

Mrs. Ruth Beatrice Gibson (Ma Ruth and Sally), of 41 Corling St., Petersburg, Va., departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at the Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Va.

A native of Petersburg, Va., Mrs. Gibson was the daughter of the late Luther and Beatrice Rose. She was married to the late retired United States Army Master Sgt. Wyman O. Gibson. She was product of the Petersburg Public School System and a graduate of the Apex Beauty College in Richmond, Va. She owned and operated her own beauty salon, Majestic Beauty Lane, for 10 years and worked as a beautician for 36 years. Mrs. Gibson was a member of the Registered Beauticians Association of Petersburg and Vicinity.

Mrs. Gibson received Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board, and was a member of the Roseman Smith Women's Senate and the Diamonds. She was a member of the 20th Century Social Club and was listed on the roll as a founder and a charter member.

She is survived by a loving and dedicated family which includes, her daughter, Thelma L. Berthea of Petersburg, Va.; three grandchildren, Yvonne Bethea Sims of Jackson, N.C., Wyman Bethea (Janet) of Madison, N.C., and Yvette Bethea Carter of Prince George, Va.; four great-grandsons, LaMar Sims (Nina) of Richmond, Va., Wyman Bethea Jr. (Amy) of Winston-Salem, N.C., Lance Sims of Jackson, N.C., and Melvin Carter III of Prince George, Va.; six great-great-grandchildren, Kendall Sims, Cameron Bethea, Cody Bethea, Lauryn Sims, Chaz Bethea and Nathan Sims; a sister, Gladys Hill of Rocky Mount, N.C.; niece, Joyce Brown (Donald) of Petersburg, Va.; nephew, Donald Garlinton (Cynthia) of New York, N.Y.; two goddaughters, Catherine Owens (Percy) and Connie Conley (Jim); the Zion Baptist Church family members; and a host of friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Golden Living Center Battlefield Park and the staff of the 2nd Floor East Southside Regional Medical Center for their expert and loving care.

A funeral service will be held noon Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. White Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 41 Corling St., Petersburg, Va.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.