Persia Gibb

Mrs. Persia Layton Newby Gibb, 94, a long-time resident of Chiefland, Florida, passed away early Monday morning on January 23, 2017 at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Persia was born in Glenwoodville, Alberta, Canada, on November 11, 1922, the daughter of Henry Lenox Newby and Ida Rose (Layton) Newby. She was preceded in death by her parents, all her siblings, her husband, Donald E. Gibb, her son, Phillip Dee, and her grandson, Jim Lee Gibb. She also suffered the most recent loss of Rascal, the beloved family cat. Persia leaves to cherish her sweet memories, her daughter, Marion L. (Richard) Jarombak of Rancho Palms, California; two sons, Greg (Susan) Gibb of Bell, and Jimmie L. Gibb of Chiefland; four grandchildren, Amanda Gibb (Jared) Stout, Gregory, Gabriel, and Cody Gibb, and a great grandson, Michael S. Berry. During the last dozen years or so, Persia received excellent home care from a number of family and friends; and among them she counted Mrs. Jann (Dan) Plonk, and Mrs. Linda Baynard as her extended family. Persia specifically asked that we acknowledge both ladies, along with all her other many unnamed friends and caregivers, in this obituary. Persia married Donald Earl Gibb on September 2, 1946 in Canada, shortly after he returned home from his pilot duties in WWII. Together, they had three beautiful children and by now had relocated their home to the United States. Persia worked for a while in the Longhorn Ranch Wear, a western store in Texas owned by her sister and brother in-law. She had many wonderful memories of those days and sported the most beautiful western boots imaginable on her tiny feet. She was personally acquainted with Tony Lama long before his bootwear became famous. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband all over the U.S. and to distant places. She particularly enjoyed her many trips to Hawaii and spoke of them often. However, the job Persia placed above all others was that of a wife, mother and homemaker. In the words of her daughter, she was a good mama, in every sense of the word. Although she was Canadian born, Persia truly loved this country and was a proud resident of the United States for over 60 years. In 1983, she and her husband moved from Dallas, Texas to Chiefland, Florida, where Don continued to work in his land development business, until retiring. Persia experienced a wonderful life, having lived through the Great Depression, a world war, and witnessing the evolution of transportation, communication and the electronic age. She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where she was an active member of the Women’s Relief Society Organization for many, many years. She was a kind-hearted, humble woman who epitomized the spirit of peace and goodwill wherever she went. She and her husband served together as volunteer workers for over 10 years at the LDS Orlando Temple, beginning with its opening in 1994, almost never missing their weekly assignment. She loved playing cards, crafts, cooking, crocheting and visiting with her friends. She was known throughout the tri-county area for her delicious banana bread, (which she simply referred to as “little cakes”); and truly enjoyed sharing them with her friends and family. It was rare that you could visit her home without leaving with a loaf. Persia had a particular fondness for cream cheese and chives crackers, either eaten alone or served with soup. She made it a point to always have the crackers on hand. She was quite the fanatic when it came to a tidy home and especially a clean sink. You could be sure that she would let someone know if her cracker supply was getting low or if a dirty dish was left in the sink. A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 between the hours of 6-8 PM at Rick Gooding Funeral Home in Chiefland, FL. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 4:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Chiefland. Interment will follow at the Chiefland Cemetery. Flowers are welcome, but for those who wish, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to Haven Hospice 311 NE 9th St in Chiefland, FL in memory of Donald and Persia Gibb. Arrangements have been placed under the care of Rick Gooding Funeral Home Chiefland, FL 352-493-0050 and Cross City, FL 352-498-5400. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com

Persia Gibb

November 11, 1922 - January 23, 2017