This past November, Mason County History and Mason County Genealogy lost one of it's most loyal supporters. Her memorial service will be this coming Sunday. The tribute below was written by one of her long time friends, Suzie Miller of Point Pleasant. Mildred C. Gibbs 1915-2000 Mildred Chapman Gibbs was an active community participant in the history of Mason County. Her love of her heritage and of history left Mason County with a flourishing written account of her ancestors and of the development of her community. Her endowment will benefit current and future generations. She gave of herself to all who knew her. Not only was she involved, she led and served the community. As a life long resident of Mason County, she lived in Hartford, WV in the house where she was born. Her community interaction can be witnessed throughout the county. It is evident in her legacy that she loved life and her life was that of service and community involvement. Mildred Gibbs was involved in education in Mason County Schools for 40 years. She retired in 1976. She held an A.B. degree from Marshall University graduating Magna Cum Laude and a Masters degree from Duke University graduating in the top 10 percent of her class. Mildred's last 20 years were that of teacher/principal of Hartford Elementary. Retirement was not the end of her involvement in education. In January 1983, she was appointed to the Mason County Board of Education and in 1984 was elected to continue serving on the Board for an additional four years. Mildred was active in the following professional organizations: Mason County Teachers Association where she served as president for two terms; she was president and secretary of the Mason County Principals Association. At the time of her death, she was president of the Mason County Retired Teachers Association. She was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Sigma Chapter, a teachers honorary sorority, Mildred presented the annual Christmas story for the past several years as well as hosted meetings at her residence. In addition to her life as an educator, Mildred was an author, historian, genealogist, artist, and gardener. She was an active member in the communities of Mason County where she lead and participated in numerous organizations. Mildred's love of history and genealogy can best be witnessed in her involvement in the Mason City Historical Society and Daughters of the American Revolution - The Colonel Charles Lewis Chapter. She was also active in the state and local associations. She served as Western District Director of the West Virginia DAR and as regent for the Lewis Chapter. Mildred wrote five (5) books that are listed in the Library of Congress. The titles of her books are From Culpper County to the Teays Valley; History of Mason City, West Virginia: The History of the Town and Its People; Hartford City, West Virginia 1853-1922; Luman Gibbs, Pioneer and Foundation and Development of New Haven. Mildred also chaired the committee to write the History of Mason County. Always willing to share her knowledge and research with others, Mildred presented to numerous organizations. A few of her presentations included "History of Local Railroads"; "What & who'sHanging Around Your Family Tree?"; "The Importance of River Transportation" Mildred was an active member of the Hartford Baptist Church in which her great grandfather was one of the founding members. A very devoted member, Mildred was instrumental in keeping the church open. In 1999, Mildred wrote the "History of the Hartford Baptist Church. Mildred's hobbies included reading, sewing, gardening and flower arranging. Her most enjoyable hobby was painting. Her paintings have been exhibited locally and at the Virginia Beach Art Association Boardwalk Show. Mildred was the daughter of Lewis and Helen Byrle Chapman. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Lee Gibbs, a brother and sister-in-law A. J. Wade and Helen Chapman, Sister in-law Leota Gibbs Fry and husband Jack, two nephews, 4 nieces and several cousins. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Mason Historical Society c/o Lois Test, P.O. Box 7, Mason, WV, 25260. A memorial service will be held on January 7, 2001, at the Foglesong Funeral Home in Mason, WV. A reception will follow the service at the Mason Senior Citizens Center.