Ora Mae Gibson

Mrs. Ora Mae Gibson, 101, passed away Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at her residence. Mrs. Gibson was born on May 31, 1923 to the late James Lee and Merial Carrie Frances Cook Cash. After graduating from Griffith School in 1940, she went to work for Hanes Knitting where she stayed for 10 years. On July 14, 1945 she married William Joseph "Joe Bill" Gibson. They had one daughter, Rebecca Lynn Gibson, who was born in 1953.

She was a member of the Griffith Extension Club for over 60 years, both taking and teaching classes. At age 60, she joined the Cricket Craftsmen and made all types of crafts, including her popular Christmas stockings. Ora Mae took several craft classes at Forsyth Tech and at the Arts and Craft Association including loom weaving, wood carving, basket making, knitting, book binding, cake decorating, marquetry, and batik. 

She was a member of Advent Moravian Church. She made 20 lovefeast baskets for her church and the Advent Star that hangs in the sanctuary. She especially enjoyed teaching crafts to children in Bible School. She credits staying busy crafting for "keeping her out of trouble" after her husband died.

In addition to her parents and husband, and daughter, Ora Mae was preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Elizabeth Cline and Sarah Helen Byerly. 

Left to cherish Ora Mae's memory are her nephews, Rev. Wayne Byerly (Pat), Rev. Tim Byerly (Wanda), and David Byerly (Gina) and numerous great, and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family expresses its deep appreciation to Bennie Legins for her continuous care for Ora Mae for over two years. 

A funeral service will be held Monday, December 23, 2024 at 2:00PM in Advent Moravian Church. Mrs. Gibson will lie in state at the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church graveyard. The family will greet friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Trellis Hospice,101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 and/or to Advent Moravian Church, 1514 West Clemmonsville Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27127. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hayworth-miller.com.