Margaret "Betty" Gibson

Margaret Elizabeth “Betty” Gibson of Long Beach, MS, passed away on Monday, May 16 at the age of 83, a mere nine weeks after the death of her beloved husband, Charles “Charlie” Gibson. Even as our hearts are full of sorrow at our loss, we are comforted knowing that they are thrilled to be reunited and dancing together again.

A caring and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty was born on April 23, 1939, in Newberry, South Carolina. There she attended Newberry High School, and soon after met and married her husband, Charles. They were married almost 65 years.

The first half of their marriage and life together was shaped by Charlie’s career in the United States Marine Corps. For 23 years, Betty supported Charlie’s military service, following his assignments around the country. Together they lived and raised their children Beth, Cathy, and Jim in Mobile, AL, Camp Pendleton, CA, Camp Lejeune, NC, and Quantico, VA. Betty managed the household and parented their children alone during Charlie’s unaccompanied tours in Vietnam, Japan, and aboard ship. Betty’s independence, commitment to the care and wellbeing of her family, and roll-with-the-punches attitude made her well suited to her life as a military spouse.

After Charlie’s retirement from the Marine Corps in 1979, Betty followed him one last time to Long Beach, MS, where they made their permanent home. Betty shifted from the role of military spouse to the spouse of a high school teacher, as Charlie started his second career as a founder and instructor for the newly formed MCJROTC at Gulfport High School. This time Betty got to travel to competitions alongside Charlie as a chaperone for the high school rifle and drill team. She took pride in Charlie’s dedication to his cadets.

Betty’s life was one of care and service to others- her family, neighbors, and community. In addition to raising her children, caring for aging and sick relatives, and being a fun-loving and unforgettable grandmother, she volunteered for the American Red Cross, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and “Budget for Babies.” She belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Long Beach.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents James and Ella Leavell of Newberry, SC; and her sister, Evelyn Davis of Chattanooga.

Betty is survived by her three children, Mrs. Beth Dean and her husband, Rex of Long Beach, Mrs. Cathy San Antonio and her husband, Garry of Greenville, TX, and Mr. Jim Gibson and his wife, Laura of Warrenton, VA; nine grandchildren, Ashley Peterson and her husband Pat Heidingsfelder of Biloxi, MS, TJ Peterson and his fiancée, Morgan Linnett of Denver, CO, Chelsea Dean and her fiancé Zachary Dubroc of Biloxi, MS, Courtney Dean Gaskins and her husband, Talon of Santa Clara, CA, James San Antonio and his wife Cassie of San Antonio TX, Amanda San Antonio Crouch and her husband Lee of Crestview, FL, Matthew San Antonio and his wife Olivia of Greenville TX, Kristopher Gibson and his wife Kirby of Oklahoma City, OK, Zachary Gibson of Warrenton, VA; 10 great-grandchildren, and one on the way; and her nephew, Vann Davis of Gulfport, MS.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, May 26, 2022, at First United Methodist Chruch, 208 Pine Street, Long Beach, with a visitation from 10:30 until the service.  Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans to prosper and not harm, to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11