Celebrating the life of
Karen Yates Gibson
August 26, 1937 - September 03, 2012
SAVANNAH – Mrs. J. Glenn "Hoot" Gibson, Jr. Karen died peacefully on Monday, September 3, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a brave and heroic battle with lung cancer.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 7, 2012, at Fox & Weeks Islands Chapel. A celebration of Karen's life will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church with Father Stephen Norris, Father Jim Shumard and Father Konrad White presiding.
Karen was born August 26, 1937 in Cobbtown, Georgia to the late Kermit and Allie Ree Durden Yates. Upon graduation from Collins High School, she moved to Savannah where she entered Draughon's Business School and received an Associate Degree in Business Administration. She soon became employed at MetLife where she became the office manager and retired after 37 years of service.
Mrs. Gibson was a founding member of St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild and Meals on Wheels team, and was treasurer of the Episcopal Church Women's group. She was also a member of the Alee Temple Patrol Auxiliary and the Coastal Sports Club. For many years, she was the secretary and treasurer of the Georgia Skeet Shooting Association.
Before her illness, she began tutoring children in reading at Islands Elementary School. Reading was her passion and she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children who struggled.
Karen was preceded in death by her grandson, Carter James Schuyler. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, J. Glenn "Hoot" Gibson, Jr.; her daughter, Gigi Gibson Schuyler and her husband, Dr. Rob Schuyler, of Dothan, AL; her granddaughters, Amelia Quinn Schuyler and Gillian Marie Schuyler; her sister, Ola Faye Yates Rumpf of Fayetteville; and her special friend, Sissy Coursey Woods.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Karen's medical team: Dr. Masood Ahmed, Dr. Ayer Bala, Dr. Grant Lewis, Dr. John Pablo, the nurses and staff of the Lewis Cancer Center, the 6 North and Bronchoscopy Suite nursing staff of Candler/St. Joseph's, and the nurses and staff of Hospice Savannah.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416, Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavillion, 225 Candler Dr., Savannah, GA 31405, St. Francis of the Islands Episcopal Church, 590 Walthour Rd., Savannah, GA 31410, the Morris Slotin Fund of The Alee Temple, P.O. Box 14147, Savannah, GA 31416, or the charity of your choosing.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
Karen will be surely missed. She was a lovely person and we enjoyed spending time with both of you. Hoot, you are in our thoughts.
- Carl II, Cheryl and Courtland Hendricks, Guyton, GA
We send our prayers and sympathy to each one of Karen's family members at this difficult time of loss. I grew up in Cobbtown and lived just down the street from the Yates, my mother Lucille C. Williams was the Postmaster in Cobbtown for a number of years. May all of you find strength in God's amazing grace to move forward as I'm sure Karen would like for you to do. God's Blessings. Vivian W. Andrews
- Vivian WilliamsAndrews and Henry G. Andrews, Milledgeville, GA
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Laura, Wes, Wesley, & James Nelson
- Wes & Laura Nelson, Dothan, AL
Our hearts are with the Gibson family at this most difficult time. We always loved seeing you when you came in for a pizza because we knew she was having a good day when she was craving pizza! You are in all of our prayers!
- Chuck Weipert, Savannah, GA
Hoot & Family, Know that you are all in our prayers. Sorry for your loss. Karen wasa sweet lady and we will all miss her. If there is anything we can do for you knkow that we are just a call away
- Johnny & Pam Griggers, LYONS, GA
Hoot and family, Karen was a wonderful lady and she will miss greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Diane and William Robbins, , GA
Our deepest sympathy. Prayers and thoughts for you and your family. God bless!
- Steve and Juanita Sykes, Dothan, AL
Dear 'Hoot' and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Karen.She was such a nice person and I am sorry she had to suffer.You will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Hoot & Family What a courageous battle you all have fought for such a wonderful person. Karen was a ray of sunshine for all she knew. Find peace in that she is no longer in pain and is in Gods' heaven. This maybe inappropriate but Hoot you know she has already found mother and they are chatting it up. God bless them both.
- Alice Eldredge & Skip Cowart, Savannah, GA
Hoot, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Elton Hoffman, , GA
my thoughts & prayers are for you comfort and peace, May God be ever so near to you during this time of sorrow.
- annette koneman, savannah, GA
my thoughts & prayers are for you comfort and peace, May God be ever so near to you during this time of sorrow.
- annette koneman, savannah, GA
Very courageous and wonderful person. She has been a friend all my life. My prayers and thoughts go to the family.
- Sally Jo Thompson, Vidalia, GA
Hoot I pray the Great Articate will grant you the blessings and strength you need at this difficult time. I also lost my first wife in 1999 to cancer and understand your pain.God Bless. Andy Jack Brannen 2/Chronthians 5.1. Read it and it will ease you and give you some peace.
- Andy Jack Brannen, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry for your loss Gigi, I have you and your family in my thoughts.
- Amanda Cadwell, , VA
Our prayers go out to Gigi,Hoot and the family. We were very sorry to hear of Karen passing and we remember her well. She was a very friendly and smiling person and took up a lot of time with my son Bubba when he was growing up. At least now she isn't in any pain and Heaven has gained another Angel!! We shall all be together one day. Rest in peace Karen!
- Sue Usry, Metter, GA
WE SHARE AND MOURN THE LOSS OF KAREN WITH YOU. SHE WAS SO FULL OF LIFE AND MADE OTHERS COMFORTABLE. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY HER MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AS YOU PASS THRU THIS SEASON OF LOSS.
- GLORIA MERCER/REMER COLLINS, COBBTOWN, GA
Sorry to hear of your loss. Karen is fondly remembered for her leadership role at Met Life and her assistance to all of us agents. RIP Karen! You will be remembered!! Ken Rippel
- Ken & Ann Rippel, Myrtle Beach, SC
Hoot, Gigi, and Family: Our deepest sympathy and thoughts to you at this sad time. The years fade away remembering pleasant times with Karen. My sister Mary Abercrombie so enjoyed association with her at Metropolitan Insurance office. What wonderful memories we all will share of this wonderful lady. God bless.
- Peggy & Harold Stripling, Savannah, GA
Hoot, Your lovely wife Karen was the light of your life, she will be missed very much. She always had a twinkle in her eye. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grand-Mother and good Friend she will be missed by all who knew her. She really gave it a good fight didn't she. Now she is in the hands of the Lord who has taking away all of her pain and suffering. God Bless You, Barbara Hall
- Barbara Hall, Savannah, GA
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our Prayers. The family of Eddie Yates Edward, Kay, Kim and Donna
- Donna Yates Gaylor, cartersville, GA
To the family of Karen: It is sad that our class of '55 has lost another member in death. Class reunions will not be the same without Karen there for us; but the memories of those school years will live on. May God Bless each of you in your time of grief. With Sympathy, Lorena Holland Threatt
- Lorena Holland Threatt, Augusta, GA
My heart goes out to all the family of my dear friend, Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you throughout your grief. Peace be with you.
- Mary Lou Slemmons Fuller, Warrenton, MO
Hoot, Gigi, Rob, Quinn and Gillian, We were so saddened to hear of Karen’s passing – such a great loss to all of you. Karen was such a delight – so full of fun and energy and such a wonderful storyteller. One of those people you just love to be around and so easy to visit with. I will remember fondly the time we spent with Karen and Hoot in Savannah for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and of course Rob and Gigi’s wedding. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you. God bless. Patti and Ron
- Pat Hegenbarth, Ham Lake, MN
Karen will be surely missed. She was a lovely person and we enjoyed spending time with both of you. Hoot, you are in our thoughts.
- Carl II, Cheryl and Courtland Hendricks, Guyton, GA
We send our prayers and sympathy to each one of Karen's family members at this difficult time of loss. I grew up in Cobbtown and lived just down the street from the Yates, my mother Lucille C. Williams was the Postmaster in Cobbtown for a number of years. May all of you find strength in God's amazing grace to move forward as I'm sure Karen would like for you to do. God's Blessings. Vivian W. Andrews
- Vivian WilliamsAndrews and Henry G. Andrews, Milledgeville, GA
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Laura, Wes, Wesley, & James Nelson
- Wes & Laura Nelson, Dothan, AL
Our hearts are with the Gibson family at this most difficult time. We always loved seeing you when you came in for a pizza because we knew she was having a good day when she was craving pizza! You are in all of our prayers!
- Chuck Weipert, Savannah, GA
Hoot & Family, Know that you are all in our prayers. Sorry for your loss. Karen wasa sweet lady and we will all miss her. If there is anything we can do for you knkow that we are just a call away
- Johnny & Pam Griggers, LYONS, GA
Hoot and family, Karen was a wonderful lady and she will miss greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Diane and William Robbins, , GA
Our deepest sympathy. Prayers and thoughts for you and your family. God bless!
- Steve and Juanita Sykes, Dothan, AL
Dear 'Hoot' and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Karen.She was such a nice person and I am sorry she had to suffer.You will be in my prayers.
- Tom Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Hoot & Family What a courageous battle you all have fought for such a wonderful person. Karen was a ray of sunshine for all she knew. Find peace in that she is no longer in pain and is in Gods' heaven. This maybe inappropriate but Hoot you know she has already found mother and they are chatting it up. God bless them both.
- Alice Eldredge & Skip Cowart, Savannah, GA
Hoot, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
- Elton Hoffman, , GA
my thoughts & prayers are for you comfort and peace, May God be ever so near to you during this time of sorrow.
- annette koneman, savannah, GA
my thoughts & prayers are for you comfort and peace, May God be ever so near to you during this time of sorrow.
- annette koneman, savannah, GA
Very courageous and wonderful person. She has been a friend all my life. My prayers and thoughts go to the family.
- Sally Jo Thompson, Vidalia, GA
Hoot I pray the Great Articate will grant you the blessings and strength you need at this difficult time. I also lost my first wife in 1999 to cancer and understand your pain.God Bless. Andy Jack Brannen 2/Chronthians 5.1. Read it and it will ease you and give you some peace.
- Andy Jack Brannen, Savannah, GA
I'm so sorry for your loss Gigi, I have you and your family in my thoughts.
- Amanda Cadwell, , VA
Our prayers go out to Gigi,Hoot and the family. We were very sorry to hear of Karen passing and we remember her well. She was a very friendly and smiling person and took up a lot of time with my son Bubba when he was growing up. At least now she isn't in any pain and Heaven has gained another Angel!! We shall all be together one day. Rest in peace Karen!
- Sue Usry, Metter, GA
WE SHARE AND MOURN THE LOSS OF KAREN WITH YOU. SHE WAS SO FULL OF LIFE AND MADE OTHERS COMFORTABLE. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY HER MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AS YOU PASS THRU THIS SEASON OF LOSS.
- GLORIA MERCER/REMER COLLINS, COBBTOWN, GA
Sorry to hear of your loss. Karen is fondly remembered for her leadership role at Met Life and her assistance to all of us agents. RIP Karen! You will be remembered!! Ken Rippel
- Ken & Ann Rippel, Myrtle Beach, SC
Hoot, Gigi, and Family: Our deepest sympathy and thoughts to you at this sad time. The years fade away remembering pleasant times with Karen. My sister Mary Abercrombie so enjoyed association with her at Metropolitan Insurance office. What wonderful memories we all will share of this wonderful lady. God bless.
- Peggy & Harold Stripling, Savannah, GA
Hoot, Your lovely wife Karen was the light of your life, she will be missed very much. She always had a twinkle in her eye. She was a loving Wife, Mother, Grand-Mother and good Friend she will be missed by all who knew her. She really gave it a good fight didn't she. Now she is in the hands of the Lord who has taking away all of her pain and suffering. God Bless You, Barbara Hall
- Barbara Hall, Savannah, GA
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our Prayers. The family of Eddie Yates Edward, Kay, Kim and Donna
- Donna Yates Gaylor, cartersville, GA
To the family of Karen: It is sad that our class of '55 has lost another member in death. Class reunions will not be the same without Karen there for us; but the memories of those school years will live on. May God Bless each of you in your time of grief. With Sympathy, Lorena Holland Threatt
- Lorena Holland Threatt, Augusta, GA
My heart goes out to all the family of my dear friend, Karen. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you throughout your grief. Peace be with you.
- Mary Lou Slemmons Fuller, Warrenton, MO
Hoot, Gigi, Rob, Quinn and Gillian, We were so saddened to hear of Karen’s passing – such a great loss to all of you. Karen was such a delight – so full of fun and energy and such a wonderful storyteller. One of those people you just love to be around and so easy to visit with. I will remember fondly the time we spent with Karen and Hoot in Savannah for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and of course Rob and Gigi’s wedding. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you. God bless. Patti and Ron
- Pat Hegenbarth, Ham Lake, MN
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
