Luther Lavern Gibson

Mr. Luther Lavern Gibson, 87, widower of the late Viola Stone Gibson, of Nichols, passed away following a brief illness in his sleep, while at his home in Nichols during the early morning of Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Lavern was born in Conway, SC on November 21, 1938, a son to the late Luther Gibson and the late Sally Mae Graham Gibson. Lavern, a loving husband, father and grandfather, was a hardworking, dedicated man, who put his family first and instilled values that have been passed down through the generations of the Gibson family. Lavern worked with Pilliod Furniture Manufacturing in Nichols for many years until he decided to retire.

Classic Country-Western Music held a special place in Lavern’s heart. The music of Waylon, Willie, and Johnny always soothed his soul every time they came on the radio. He was an absolute people person, never meeting a stranger and always enjoying the company of others. The more the better when it came to company, especially if he had all his grandchildren in the house with him. And when it came to sharing meals with family and friends, they said he could put away a mess or two of fish. They worried he would sprout gills and scales he loved to eat fish so much. But the one love above all others was the love Lavern had for his Lord, Jesus. He loved church, reading his Bible and sharing the love of the Lord with others, because it’s what godly men do.

Mr. Lavern is survived by his two daughters, Joann Muir of Nichols, and Priscilla Lewis and her husband, Jody, of Mullins; his four grandchildren: Timothy (Meagan) Johnson, Kendell Johnson, special granddaughter, Kasie Johnson, and Jody Derrick Lewis; six great grandchildren; special nephew, Ricky Gibson; special nieces, Barbara Carter and Shirley O’Conner; and several other nieces and nephews.

Lavern is predeceased by brothers, Noah Gibson, James Gibson, Gonzalee Gibson, Samuel “S.B” Gibson, and Luke Gibson, and two sisters, Beatrice Johnson and Corrine Strickland.

The family will hold a graveside service for Mr. Gibson on Monday, January 12, at 1:00 P.M. in Devotion Gardens Cemetery in Mullins, with the Reverend Haywood Proctor officiating and directed by Cox-Collins Funeral Home.

The family will meet with attendees following the service there at the cemetery.

A guestbook for Mr. Lavern is available on the Cox-Collins Funeral Home website and our Facebook page for well-wishers to leave kind words for the family during this time.