Ursula "Sue" M. Gibbs

Ursula “Sue” Martin Gibbs was born on January 18, 1916, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to Elso W. Martin and Florence Blankenship. Surviving is her sister, Florence Hosack and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis C. Gibbs; brothers, Elbert Martin, Archie Martin and Douglas Martin. Sue moved to Hopewell as an infant and has lived in the neighborhood for over 90 years. Ms. Gibbs graduated from Hopewell high School in 1934 and was a cheerleader in 1933 and 1934. Married to Louis Gibbs in 1939, they later became members of First United Methodist Church where she remained a member until her death. She served in the Hopewell Community as the Deputy Commissioner of Revenue for more than 20 years. Ursula overcame a major illness and continued to generate a selfless, positive influence in the community while generously providing for nonprofit organizations and supporting students in their academic pursuits. Through her kindness she provided scholarships to numerous students given through the John Randolph Foundation, Louis C. and Ursula A. Sue Gibbs Scholarship Fund. The fund will remain active for many years to come. Mrs. Gibbs received many awards for the way she maintained her yard. Newspapers came to take pictures and many people stopped to admire her yard and compliment her on the beauty of her yard. She continued to enjoy the flowers until her death. At 94 years old, Ms. Gibbs attended the 2009 Hopewell Homecoming Celebration and was the oldest cheerleader. Even though it was cold she was so glad to participate. She later said, “There sure were a lot of people there”. After attending this special event, she received a Proclamation from the Mayor. As a community activist, she wrote many letters to the editor of the Hopewell Newspaper about cleaning up the neighborhood and contacted property owners. She was always trying to clean up Hopewell through her Ward Counselor and code enforcement officer. Sue had many friends that would call and come by to chat. She kept track of her class mates and read the church bulletins as people brought them to keep up with the sick and shut-ins and would send those cards. “I’ve lived a good life, the Lord has been good to me”, she would often say. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 in Bermuda Memorial Park, Chesterfield, Virginia. Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 502 West Broadway, Hopewell, Va. 23860, the Historical Foundation or your favorite charity. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .