Martha Gibson

Martha Leigh Gibson, a life-long resident of Danville, Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 12, 2014, while a patient in Danville Regional Medical Center. Born December 21, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Lonnie George and Susie Ball Gibson. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her only brother, Louis. Miss Gibson graduated from George Washington High School, after which she worked for 27 years at Plumbing and Mill Supply and subsequently for another 20 years at Saunders Building Supply. Until the end, she was a passionate and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, which she joined in 1938. Among her many active roles there during her life, she was a member of the VIP Committee, the XYZ Senior Group, and served as a deacon. Miss Gibson was always actively involved in her community. She was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of God's Store House and a 37-year member of the Luncheon Pilot Club of Danville. In December 2013, she was designated Member Emeritus of that important, non-profit organization. She also was an early volunteer at what is now Danville Regional Medical Center. She loved to travel, especially to New York to see plays, and never lost her keen observation of the world, her zest for living, nor her thirst for knowledge. Survivors include the daughters of her best friend since elementary school, the late Margaret "Bootsie" Burrell VanHook: Amy VanHook and husband, Pat Carter, and their daughters Mackenzie and Sydney, of Finksburg, MD; Allyson VanHook Taylor and husband, Robert, of Manassas, VA; a special, loving friend and caregiver, Larry Mann; Miss Gibson's best friend for the last 18 years, Mrs. Gladys Stone; a dear friend and neighbor, Linda Adams; and many wonderful and loyal friends who were there until the end, including the extended Burrell family, to whom she was fondly known as "Aunt Martha." A celebration of her life will be conducted by The Reverend Paul Johnson and Dr. Robert Ramey on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 2:00 P.M., at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 P.M. in Dunglinson-Roberts Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to God's Store House or to the Danville Life Saving Crew. Townes Funeral Home, 215 West Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.