Obituary of Juanita Hanson Gibson

Surrounded by loved ones, Juanita H. Gibson, former resident of Alligator Point, FL passed away on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Olympia, WA. Wife of Frank N. Gibson, she was born Sept. 1, 1928 in Chicago, IL. Daughter of the late Henry G. and Juanita Bodell Hanson. The family moved to Orlando, FL, where she graduated from Orange County High School. She later graduated from Florida State University in 1950 with a B.S. in Education. After teaching in Orange and Leon County schools, she became a pioneer in Central Florida for Early Childhood Education, at a point in time when Florida Department of Education did not offer Kindergarten. In 1964, she established and directed the First Congregational Church Pre-School in Winter Park, FL, where in addition to Kindergarten, she added classes for 4 year olds and 3 year olds. She continued her career in Early Childhood Education as the family moved to Missouri and Virginia and enhanced the lives of many young children. If you were lucky enough to be in Mrs. Gibson's class, your life was off to a great start! A dedicated wife and mother, she was an excellent cook and especially known for her cookies. She often said that she and Frank retired to the beach they courted on. She loved living at the beach, walking with friends on the shore and going fishing. Mrs. Gibson is survived by her husband, Frank N. Gibson, Olympia, WA. Her children Terence D. Gibson (Pam), Tallahassee, FL and Rebecca L. Gibson (Beth Wilder), Olympia, WA. Granddaughter Tracie Manrique, Tallahassee, FL and Great Granddaughter Morgan Manrique, Tallahassee, FL. Also surviving is her brother Henry G. Hanson (Ann), Tallahassee, FL, Sisters In-law Cleo Cole. Jacksonville, FL, Marcelo Winberg (Gary), Rutherfordton, N. C. and Evelyn Arick, Brooksville, FL. Brother In-law Marvin Smiley, Weeki Wachee, FL. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews great and great, great nieces and nephews. Mrs. Gibson lived her life in tireless service to her family, friends, church and Early Childhood Education. She was a member of Mission By The Sea Church, Alligator Point, FL, where she served as a member of the Board of Directors. She was also a member of the Alligator Point Tax Payers Association and Concerned Citizens of Franklin County. A memorial service is planned for July 21, 2018, 1:00 PM, at Mission By The Sea, 772 Alligator Dr., Alligator Point, FL 32346. The family would be most honored by your service and support of Early Childhood Education, Alzheimer Foundation at www.Alz.org, or Mission By The Sea, Alligator Point, FL.