Obituary of Dr. Evelyn C. Gibson

OBITUARY Evelyn C Gibson, affectionately known as Catherine, was born on August 29th, 1922, to the late Henry and Olive Graves. She was the second of eight siblings. Catherine grew up in Moorestown, NJ. She attended and graduated from Moorestown Public Schools. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. Catherine began her teaching career in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She eventually returned to Moorestown and taught at Moorestown Public Schools, including Number Seven School, George C Baker Elementary School, South Valley Elementary School, and William Allen Middle School. On June 25th, 1947, Catherine married Howard Leon Gibson. From this union were born three children, Howard Vincent, Kathy Anne and Karen Sue. Late into her teaching years, Catherine earned her doctorate degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. She later retired from teaching in 1989. Catherine was active in the Moorestown AARP. She enjoyed traveling and coordinated numerous trips for AARP members. She traveled to countries including Spain, Italy, France, China and England. She also enjoyed playing cards and other board games with her family and neighbors. Love of family and a regard for education were instilled in Catherine. In addition to classroom teaching, Catherine spent significant time assisting her own children with their studies. She briefly substitute taught after retiring. Her home was frequently the location for family gatherings, especially during the holidays. In January 2008, Catherine suffered an unfortunate stroke. The following year, she was diagnosed with mild vascular dementia. During the early stages of her dementia, Catherine attended The Tender Adult Day Center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, an Alzheimer’s Respite Program. As a client at The Tender, she was able to socialize and enjoy other stimulating activities including arts and crafts and live entertainment. As her dementia progressed, Catherine became homebound. On the early morning of August 20, 2022, Catherine peacefully passed away in her sleep. She will be remembered as someone who loved and cared deeply about her children and family. Catherine is predeceased by her husband, Howard Leon Gibson, her son, Howard Vincent Gibson, and her siblings, Henry Graves, Harriett Goode, and Dr. Daniel Graves. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters Kathy Gibson and Karen Clayton, her son-in-law Mark S Clayton, her grandchildren Martel (Amy) Thompkins, Amanda (Malcolm) Johnson, and Mark H (Taylur) Clayton, her siblings Dr. Carolyn Hill-Jones, Ralph Graves, Dr. Ruth King, and Dr. Douglas Graves, five great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and close family friends and neighbors.