Marcia R. Gibbs

Marcia R. Gibbs

November 20, 1922 -

January 14, 2011

Marcia R. Gibbs of Lewes, DE, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2011, at Beebe Hospital.

She was born November 20, 1922 in Dundalk, Maryland. She was one of four children of Ovid E. Roberts, Jr. and Ivy Roberts, and grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School, and then attended and obtained a degree from the Washington School for Secretaries. She was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1942 to 1947, which employment included foreign service in Guatemala. She married Robert G. Gibbs October 4, 1947, in Chevy Chase MD.

Marcia and her husband Bob had five children while living in Arlington, VA. The family moved to Lewes, Delaware, just weeks before the infamous storm of 1962, when the Delaware Bay lapped at the front steps of their new home on Pilot Town Road. Bob and Marcia founded the Gibbs Paint and Chemical Company, and Marcia began a new career, managing the decorating center, helping customers with wallpaper, drapery and decorating needs for both homes and businesses. She was a long-time member of the DeVries Business and Professional Women's Club, and was recognized for 25 years of service in 1991.

Marcia enjoyed many years of active membership in the Colonel David Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, retiring from active membership after 25 years of service.

Marcia's life centered around her strong faith and her church - St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes. She served as church secretary for many years, and loved singing in the choir.

Marcia's passion was her painting - she was a member of the Cape Artists, and enjoyed painting classes with Howard Schroeder and Roger Dellar. Her love of the beaches, marshes flowers and animals inspired her painting of local scenes. She enjoyed exhibiting her paintings at local venues, including the St. Peter's Clothesline shows and the Rehoboth Art League.

Marcia was predeceased by her husband, Robert G. Gibbs, Sr. and sisters Virginia Roberts Koier, and Lois Roberts. She is survived by her sister Natalie Roberts Friend of Woodside, California, her brother Ovid E. Roberts, Jr., of Ballwin, Missouri; four daughters, Marcia A. Gibbs of Raleigh, NC; Barbara J. Quick, of Port Jervis, NY; Lois McManus of Cumberland, MD; and Laurie R. Gibbs of Plano, TX; a son, Robert G. Gibbs of Lewes; 7 grandchildren: Jason, Ryan and John Quick; Kelly and Allie McManus; Bridgette Gibbs and Justin Hoffman; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at on Friday, January 21, 11 am, at St Peters Episcopal Church, Second Street, Lewes, DE. Friends may call on Thursday, January 20, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Interment will be private.

The family would like to thank the staff at Cadbury at Lewes for their compassionate care during the last two years, and a special thanks to the nurses in the Beebe Hospital Critical Care unit.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Second Street, Lewes, DE.

Please visit Mrs. Gibbs Life Memorial webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com

302-645-9520