Johanna Virginia Gibbs
AIKEN - Johanna Virginia Gibbs, age 89, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.
Johanna Gibbs was born April 29, 1936, in Aiken, SC to the late Tom Gibbs and Virginia George Gibbs. She is a 1958 graduate of the University of South Carolina. She earned a master's degree in education from the Citadel in 1979. Johanna began her teaching and coaching career at Aiken and Kennedy Junior High Schools in 1958. She was a physical education instructor at Aiken High School from 1963-1976. After serving Aiken High School, she began a career at University of South Carolina-Aiken where she began the girls' basketball and volleyball programs. In 1981, she became the assistant principal at Silver Bluff High School until her retirement in 1988. Johanna was highly success in all her coaching endeavors including being named Aiken County Coach of the year three times. Her accomplishments are most evident in the successes of the many students whose lives she touched.
In addition to her parents, Johanna was preceded in death by her brother Tommy Gibbs; a sister-in-law, Donna Gibbs, and a niece Lisa Gibbs Cornwell.
Survivors include a niece Beth Gibbs Mayberry (Jeff), Aiken, SC; a nephew Will Gibbs Aiken, SC; four great nephews, Lucas Cornwell, Phoenix Arizona, Davis Cornwell, Greenville, SC, Mason Gibbs, Aiken, SC, Wyles Cornwell, Aiken, SC; a special, life-long friend Henriann Goddard; one great- great nephew Graham Cornwell; and numerous cousins.
Burial will be private with the funeral service to follow Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. John's Methodist Church. Following the service, the family will receive friends at a reception in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to SC Coaches Association of Women's Sports (SCCAWS), P.O. Box 261, Newberry, SC 29108.
The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Aiken Standard and North Augusta Star from Sep. 16 to Sep. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Johanna Gibbs

Sponsored by Milton Shealy Funeral Home - Aiken.

14 Entries

Sandra P Moody

September 29, 2025

I remember coach GIBBS from Aiken high in the 70s. Sorry to hear about her passing. Praying for the family and friends

Herndon and Lebby McElmurray

September 19, 2025

Thoughts and prayers for the family. "Hanna" was a cousin and close friend. We always enjoyed our gatherings with her, Henrianne, "Bobo" and "Barlow". We were sad to learn of the challenges she faced before her passing. She was a special friend to many and a wonderful mentor to us girls!

Georganna Rice

September 18, 2025

This week we lost a great woman, Johanna Virginia Gibbs. Johanna, Hanna to me, was my godmother. She and my mother met as teenagers, and their friendship became a lifelong bond that shaped both of them - and me.
Hanna was a woman of fierce purpose. She didn´t just teach -she transformed. She didn´t just coach - she built legacies. She believed in young people, especially girls, and gave them the tools to believe in themselves. She was a pioneer, a mentor, and a quiet revolutionary who changed lives simply by showing up, staying true, and never settling for less than excellence.
But beyond all that, Johanna was deeply human. She had a sharp wit (her laughter was the best), a generous heart, and a way of making you feel seen. She was the kind of person who remembered your stories, who asked the right questions, who made you feel like you mattered. I carry her voice in my head, her example in my work, and her spirit in my heart.
Her loss is immeasurable. For my mom, I can't imagine the heartbreak of saying goodbye to a soul who walked beside you for a lifetime, losing your best friend, a sister in all but name. For me, and all who knew her, she was a guide, a protector, and a source of quiet strength.
Johanna Gibbs was extraordinary. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to live up to the example she set.

Gloria Ryans Bell

September 17, 2025

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our beloved Coach Gibbs. She was a wonderful teacher, mentor, and a phenomenal coach.
Love the Ryans and Bell family

Loretta Brown Haynes

September 16, 2025

I am so sad to hear Ms. Gibbs past. She was a great coach at Aiken High during my playing basketball days. My
condolences to her family.

JImmie Foreman

September 16, 2025

My condolences and prayers for the family. I remember Ms. Gibbs from Aiken High School and USC- Aiken. She was always nice to me, had a smile on her face and treated all persons with respect. Take your rest Ms. Gibbs.
Jimmie Foreman

Karen Foreman

September 16, 2025

Sorry to hear the loss of such a wondering person. I remember Ms. GIbbs as our Asst. Principal at Silver Bluff High School. Praying for her family! Karen Washington Foreman

Rhonda Bush Johnson

September 16, 2025

So sorry to hear of Ms. Gibbs passing. I send my condolences and prayers. I knew her from Aiken High School. She was a wonderful person. I can see her smile. Praying for the Family. Rhonda Bush Johnson

Butch and Denise McGee

September 14, 2025

Johanna was a good friend. She was always there to help anyone who needed it.
Her lasting impression will linger in Aiken for quite awhile.

Josie Wells Giddens

September 13, 2025

Johanna was a special person. I can remember her in my earliest memories of growing up in Aiken. Her grandparents and mine were friends and neighbors for years. She was a wonderful role model for the young people she was surrounded by during her career and after. I last saw and talked with her in 2010 when I was in Aiken for Miss Ola Hitt´s 100th birthday celebration. Johanna was a real asset to Aiken. My prayers for her family and friends.

Ann Blackwell Harrelson

September 13, 2025

I Loved Ms. Gibbs . She was an Awesome Gym teacher and coach. I always enjoyed running into her around Aiken. She was always the same!!!

ron l hinnant

September 13, 2025

I have known her since 1980 through Volleyball, meeting her first at Silver Bluff High School. Always willing to give advice and telling me if I missed a call.And, most recently at Shealy's BBQ for annual meeting of the OverTimers.

Lindy Cansler

September 13, 2025

What a wonderful person Coach Gibbs was. In the past few years I would run into her, usually at Belks shopping. She would always stop and talk. She was a special lady.

Jeanette Raiford Cue

September 13, 2025

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers family. We loved her too.

The Cue & Raiford Family´s

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