Velma Gibbs' Obituary
Velma Liggett Gibbs passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the age of 102. She was born on August 20, 1918 in Sewal, Iowa. Her parents were Abraham (Abe) and Katie Calif Liggett. She was the second of nine children. Velma attended Sewal school, graduating in 1936. She moved to Corydon where she worked for Gibbs Battery. On April 4, 1942 Velma married James Dale Gibbs. To this union was born two children, Marsha Kay in September 1944 and Ronald Dale in July 1948. Velma and Dale lived on the blacktop north of Allerton until they retired from farming and moved to Allerton. Over the years, Velma was very involved in the community. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Allerton. Velma belonged to the Rebecca Lodge and the neighborhood clubs. When her children became older, she become a 4-H Leader. She participated and attended camp with the 4-H members. Those campers still lovingly remember attending summer camps with Velma. When Velma decided it was time for her to return to the work force, she worked for the Wayne County Hospital, the Care Center, and Neely's Manufacturing. Before retiring, she was a Home Health Aid. Her greatest enjoyment came when she was taking care of or teaching other people. Velma and Dale traveled to France, Switzerland, Mexico and Jamaica, and throughout the United States. They made many trips to Arizona to spend the winter with their children and grandchildren. Velma was preceded in death by her parents; by Dale, her husband of almost 50 years; her brothers Ray and Guy; and sisters Ethel Niday, Roxanna Petty and Twila Palmer. Velma is survived by daughter, Marsha Kay (Larry) Palmer of Tucson, AZ, son, Ron (Kathy) Gibbs of Chino Valley AZ, grandchildren: Shawn (Justean) Palmer of Surprise AZ; Mary (Jason) Gilmore of Tucson AZ; and Tony (Kari) Gibbs of Gilbert AZ, great grandchildren: Harrison, Nicholas and Hayden Palmer, and Reed and Kennedy Gilmore, sister's: Coy (Bill) Davis of Altoona IA, and Opal Longley of Chariton IA, brother, Dwight (Mary Ann) Liggett of Urbandale IA, and her best friend from high school, Lorene Havner. Funeral service will be Friday, November 20, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon with Pastor Diane Olson Schroeder officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Allerton Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1-2 pm at Thomas Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Allerton United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com and at facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Velma Gibbs please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Allerton Cemetery 115th St. & King Road
Allerton, IA 50008 Visitation NOV 20. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Corydon 303 E Jefferson StCorydon, IA 50060 Funeral Service NOV 20. 2:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home-Corydon 303 E Jefferson StCorydon, IA 50060
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