Thanks, Hugh, for posting this wonderful tribute to a remarkable woman. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but did look her up, in the "History of Mason County," published in 1987 under her term as President of the Mason County History Book Committee. She and her committee's dedication produced a monumental work, which will guarantee that hundreds of families' history will not be lost to future generations of Mason County descendants. I have printed a copy of this tribute, and added it to my copy of the book. Julie Chapin Hesson "Mason County, WV, Marriages, 1806-1915" "H. Juhling McClung" wrote: > > 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. > >