Atha Lou Freeman Gibson

Cheraw, SC

          A Worship Service celebrating the life of Mrs. Atha Lou Freeman Gibson will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Cheraw by the Reverend Dr. Dan Sansbury with the eulogy being delivered by her daughter, Susan G. Snow. A private family committal service will follow in the White Oak Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

          Mrs. Gibson was born September 16, 1932 in the White Oak Community of Ruby, SC and entered into rest on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the age of 91. She was a daughter of the late Atha Louis (Teen) and Bessie Sutton Freeman. She was a graduate of Ruby High School and attended Winthrop College for Women. Mrs. Gibson was a member of White Oak Presbyterian Church from birth until her husband’s work relocated her family to Sanford, NC in 1961. While at White Oak she served as Organist, Church School Teacher, Bible School Coordinator, and Presbyterian Women Leader. After relocating to Sanford, NC, she became a member of Edgewood Presbyterian Church serving in every capacity available to women including, Substitute Organist, Church School Teacher, Youth Leader, Bible School Coordinator, Circle Chairman, and Presbyterian Women Bible Study Leader. She was a Lifetime Membership Recipient in Presbyterian Women, their highest honor, and was also a Ruling Elder.

          After her husband’s death in 2000, she moved to Cheraw to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law having retired from the position of Secretary in the NC Elementary School System. She returned to White Oak Presbyterian, her home church, where she served in a variety of positions including Clerk of Session.

          Because of declining health in her later years, Mrs. Gibson became a member of Cheraw First Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed playing an active role in Presbyterian Woman and Sunday School.

          In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gibson was also preceded in death by her husband, Billy G. Gibson; infant brother, Jack Freeman; son, William Mark Gibson; son-in-law, Dr. Lawrence P. Snow; brother, Jimmy C. Freeman; sister-in-law, Julieth (Teenie) Freeman.

          Survivors include her daughter, Susan G. Snow of Cheraw, SC; doting nephew and niece, Dr. Michael and Phyllis Freeman of Fayetteville, NC; great niece, Molly F. (Joseph) Miller of Alexandria, VA; niece, Ann F. (Dean) Chapman of Hartsville, SC; great niece, Kendall C. (John) Perrow of Cameron, SC; great nephew, Jay (Sarah) Chapman of Hartsville, SC; nephew, Greg Freeman of Chesterfield, SC; great niece, Bessie Freeman of Tifton, GA; many cousins and White Oak friends who enjoyed sharing childhood memories. Her Cheraw First Presbyterian Church (USA) and Edgewood Presbyterian Church (USA) of Sanford, NC families. Her caregivers and friends, JoAnn Teal, Homar and Enedian Araujo; caring, helpful neighbors, Ginny and Roger Chrisley, and Ellen and Barry Hurst.

          The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cheraw Healthcare who, during her stay, provided her with the utmost care and loving kindness.

          She considered herself fortunate to have made lasting friendships with so many people, in every walk of life, during her 91 years.

          Memorials may be made to the McArn Food Bank, c/o First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 552, Cheraw, SC 29520; or to the Thornwell Home for Children, P.O. Box 60, Clinton, SC 29325

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Gibson family.