Frances Jeanette Gibbs | Eastern NC Now

   Frances “Nanu” Jeanette Gibbs, 75, lost her struggle with Alzheimer’s Friday, June 8, 2012, in Bon Air, Va., surrounded by family.

   Born in Bath, N.C., Frances was a mother of three children and a grandmother to eight. Frances is survived by her husband, Haywood P. Gibbs; daughter, English Hewitt and husband, John of Richmond, Va., their two children, Kaila and Ryder; son, Tom Gibbs and wife, Ann of Winston-Salem, N.C., their two children, Mackenzie and Jordan; and son, Philip Gibbs and wife, Meri of Annapolis, their four children, JoAnna, Eli, Joshua and Mathilde. She is also survived by sisters, Louise

   Fisher, Mary Jane Vanderburg, Joyce Coward; and brothers, Ernest Gurkins, Doug Gurkins, James Ed Gurkins.

   Well-known as a grandmother to all in her neighborhood for several decades, Nanu loved all children. She was known to demonstrate her love for children in so many ways, handmade clothing, meals, toys and lots of smiles.

   A celebration of her life will take place at the First United Methodist Church at 304 W. Second Street, Washington, NC 27889 on Saturday, June 16. Family will receive visitors at 3 p.m., followed by a service at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following, Hospice of Virginia Foundation, 1700 Bayberry Ct., Suite 300, Richmond, Va. 23226, Alzheimer’s Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or Bath High School Preservation, P.O. Box 149, Bath, N.C. 27808.