FRANKLIN GIBBS

Franklin Gibbs, 59, was born on Feb. 11, 1961, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a son of the late Leon G. Gibbs Sr. and Martha J. Gibbs. God saw fit to call him into eternal rest on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter.

He was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and graduated from Hillcrest High School Class of 1978. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Army, where he served as a M1 Tank Commander for 19 years and the South Carolina National Guard for five years. He retired on Dec. 31, 2001. At an early age, he joined Hopewell Baptist Church, Dalzell. He later joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, Summerton, under the pastoralship of the Rev. David Lawson, where he served faithfully as the Sunday school superintendent, co-chairman of the trustees and Sunday school teacher. He also served as treasurer of the Black River Association Trustees Alliance, until his health failed.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Patricia Gibbs; two daughters, Nedra (Minister Latell) of Rutherford, Connecticut, and Minister Darreshia Mivens of Miramar, Florida; seven grandchildren; three brothers, Leon G. Gibbs Jr. of Dillion, John Gibbs of Dalzell and Michael Gibbs of Delaware; one sister, Michelle Gibbs of Washington, D.C.; one uncle, Booker T. Johnson of New York; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Florence National Cemetery, Florence, with the Rev. David Lawson officiating.

Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.

Online messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneral@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.