Varnette Smith Gibson

Varnette Smith Gibson passed peacefully on September 30, 2025, at 89 Years old. Pre-deceased by her parents Marvin Smith and Idaliah Lee Smith, Varnette was a Spartanburg native. She was pre-deceased by her siblings, Millie Day, Margaret Mathis, George Smith and Roger Dale Smith. Varnette is survived by her sister, Juanita Bahr of Crossville, Tennessee.

Varnette was married for 54 years to Sgt Major Ralph Gibson, also from Spartanburg. He spent 30 years in the Army and Varnette was stationed with him in Europe on two occasions. The couple is survived by her son Stephen Gibson of Media, Pennsylvania and her daughter, Terry Kressin of Clarksville, Tennessee. Her surviving grandchildren include Stephanie Boyd, Stacey Kressin, Kimberly LaPorte and Aaron Gibson. Varnette adored her 8 grandchildren and recently gained her first great, great granddaughter.

Varnette worked in food services at Douglas Byrd High School while living in Fayetteville, N.C. for 30 years and enjoyed interacting with students. Ralph and Varnette also lived in the villages of Florida for more than 25 years. She was known for her love of animals and nature, her generosity and her ability to connect with people and even strangers she encountered. She was simply kind and well-liked by anyone she met.

The family will celebrate her life at a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Garden October 11, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. Family visitation is at Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel, Friday October 10 at 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, 235 North Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

The family will honor Varnette Smith Gibson’s life with a graveside service to be held at Sunset Memorial Garden on October 11, 2025, beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Floyd’s Mortuary on North Church Street on Friday, October 9, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.