Keisha Gibbs Obituary
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Keisha Lanee Jenkins Gibbs, 41, transitioned peacefully at The OSU Wexner Center on November 13, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
Keisha was born on December 29, 1979, in Columbus, Ohio to Jerome Jenkins and Karen Medley.
Keisha graduated from Wittenberg University with her Bachelor's degree in 2002 and received a Master's degree of Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2010. She was a dedicated employee with the Columbus Metropolitan Library for 16 years, where she proudly served as the Manager of the Martin Luther King Branch and it's surrounding community. Keisha spearheaded The Columbus African American Digital Collection Project as the Project Manager and Coordinator.
Keisha married the love of her life, Anthony Gibbs, on August 23, 2008, and from this union was born Kennedy, Karinne and Anthony.
Keisha, throughout her life was an exceptionally loving, kind and generous person. She touched so many lives in the most positive way and brought joy to all she encountered. She loved unconditionally, without respect of person. Undoubtedly, her greatest passion was her children and family. Keisha was a living example of Christ who focused on goodness, purity, and uprightness. She loved the Lord with all of her heart and was never afraid to witness to others about the goodness of the Lord. Even in sickness, her faith remained strong and she refused to speak of negativity; she chose ONLY to trust God.
Keisha is preceded in passing by paternal grandparents, Congaree and Lorraine Jenkins; maternal grandparents, Harold and Anna Sue Medley.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Anthony; children, Kennedy, Karinne and Anthony; parents, Jerome (Loleta) Jenkins and Karen Medley; sisters, Amber (Neil) Gregory and Crystal (Charles) Baldwin; niece and nephews, Amoni, Jaylan, Taven, Jayceon, Zion, Zackai; great-nieces, Mila, Maliya, Kehlani; and a host of family and friends.
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Lela Boykin
February 14, 2023
I miss your smile.
Lela Boykin
November 10, 2022
My condolences to the family of Keisha Gibbs. I remember her smiling at me whenever I visited the MLK library. She had a way of making everyone who visited the library welcome
I miss her.
Quinn
November 10, 2022
Your ray of sunshine is missed. Much love to your family and friends. Quinn (Qiana´s mom)
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Bunnie Bailey
November 24, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you in all your days. Remember she was an angel here for his love and purpose.
LaVanya Watkins
November 21, 2021
Our son Te´Lario & Tiger Mushroom Farms had the awesome pleasure of meeting and working with Mrs. Keisha Gibbs at the MLK library. She was the sweetest librarian and you could tell she was passionate about her work. Continued prayers to her family & friends.
Loren Bucek
November 20, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss.
Azuka I. MuMin
November 19, 2021
Dear Anthony and Family, sending many thoughts of love and comfort your way. May God surround you in peace, love and light. My prayers are with you. Keisha´s light continues to shine brightly
Charles Gillilan
November 19, 2021
Her friendly presence made the library a special place to be. I was always greeted warmly and offered assistance in such a hospitable way. What a sad loss for her family and community. May her memory inspire others.
Mary Tanksley
November 19, 2021
I'm so very sorry for your loss.May God be with you during this difficult time.
Desiree Thomas
November 18, 2021
I'll remember Keisha always for her kindness and her humor. I'll remember her telling me that the way to get a task done was one bite at a time. I'll remember her hilarious stories about her children. She was such a honest and approachable person. I always felt that she truly wanted the best for her co-workers. she was wonderful.
Lela Mae Boykin
November 18, 2021
Deepest sympathies.
Chris Kloth
November 18, 2021
I am saddened to learn of your loss. Keisha was a huge asset to the entire community and, especially, the Near East Side. May her memory always be a blessing to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew her.
Renee Mills
November 18, 2021
Keisha's smile filled the room when you saw her. She always made you feel safe and comfortable around her no matter what was going on. Her listening skills made you feel heard. Her kind spirit will be missed. She represented her faith in God and family very well. Love you Cuz.
Earlene Porter & Stephanie Gant
November 18, 2021
We are sending are deepest condolences and sympathy. Our family has lossed such a bright star. Our prayers and love are with the family through this time of need. We love you Keisha and you will be deeply missed. God Bless.
Jane Friend-Bainter
November 18, 2021
I can honestly say that Keisha was the calm in the storm. No matter what was going on in our day to day lives.. I could always count on a kind, gentle and understanding persona. Truly enjoyed working with Keisha. Prayers to her family. Rest in Peach. Jane Friend
Craig Niemi
November 18, 2021
Our deepest condolences to all her loved ones from your colleagues at the Cincinnati Observatory. You both have a passion for serving your community which will have a lasting impact.
Jennifer and Shango
November 18, 2021
This is a sad one.... What would we have done without Keisha and her cheery enthusiasm, encouragement and assistance? Many a day at MLK buoyed by her presence. Deepest condolences to her loved ones and extended community who mourn her untimely passing.
Tiara M. Lewis
November 18, 2021
There are not many people I´ve met that I can truly say, "They are such a kind soul" but Keisha was certainly one of them. Always positive, smiling bright, and giving to the MLK community and anyone she came in contact with, myself included. Keisha is who showed me through her work as a manager how successful a Black woman could be in the library profession while still being genuine and kind. My heart weeps for her husband and children who have to somehow go on without her. I hope it brings some measure of joy to her family to know just how many people she impacted on this Earth with her light and warmth. We will all miss her so much.
Edward Pawlik
November 18, 2021
My deepest condolences to all her loved ones. She was always a kind and helpful presence at the library. I will surely miss her spirit there. Peace to all.
Angela (DePriest) Vaughn
November 18, 2021
Keisha was truly an angel on earth she always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. I am sorry for the tremendous loss of such an amazing person. The world needs more Keisha's in it.
Connie Klever
November 17, 2021
I met Keisha many years ago when she started her career at the Columbus Metropolitan Library and later had the honor of working under her leadership at the magnificent Martin Luther King Branch. We bonded over our mutual commitment to creating impactful youth programs, we motivated each other to keep moving forward as we shared the joys, challenges (and laughs) of balancing our careers and family life, and we both knew with certainty that Jesus was in control every step of the way. Keisha was an angel and will be truly missed. Praying for all who love Keisha, especially her parents, beloved Tony and the Giblets
Michelle Alexander
November 17, 2021
Keisha was a gem. We met during my years at Wittenberg and became good friends while sharing art classes together. Her beautiful spirit and smile will be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to the Gibbs and Jenkins family and all that knew and loved her. Keisha you will forever be in our hearts.
Marjeta von Rabenau
November 17, 2021
Anthony,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your huge loss. Time will heal your pain, but hopefully the memories of happier times will help you, your children and wider family to persevere.
Laurin Arnold
November 17, 2021
I remember Keisha as a compassionate and skilled Branch Manager who loved her family and community. As a manager she was supportive and collaborative, someone who helped me grow into a librarian who could follow in her footsteps to become a Branch Manager in my own right. Her passing is a true loss for the community and she will be greatly missed by many people. I wish her family the best during this difficult time and going forward without Keisha.
Travon
November 17, 2021
Rest peacefully Keisha, my deepest condolences to your loved ones , may your spirit watch over those closest to you.
Your Cousin Travon(Timothy).
Ora Dean Crichlow and Family
November 17, 2021
Gibbs Family,
Keisha was a beautiful woman inside and out. Her devotion to her family and kindness have and will leave a lasting impact on those she touched. We will be praying for you and if there is anything we can do, please let us know.
Love,
Crichlow Family
Laurie S Marsh
November 17, 2021
Keisha was a treasured member of the Leadership Columbus Class of 2018. Her quiet manner belied her strong influence and the impact she had on all her class members. She was a talented artist and compassionate, loving woman who loved her family, friends and the community. Her humble presence enriched my life.
Judith Zawodniak
November 17, 2021
I worked with Keisha at the Martin Luther King branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. She was a wonderful person who made everyone feel very special. She helped out department Local History and Genealogy get our African American History collection off the ground. Her generosity, kindness, knowledge and love for her family were well known. She will be missed.
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