Elizabeth JoAnn Gibbs (Nelson) passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 while at Safe Haven. JoAnn was born on Jan. 28, 1948, in Louisville, KY, to Paul and Ezra Gibbs and Geneva Caroline Gibbs. When JoAnn was three the family moved to Aberdeen, ID.
JoAnn did not have much of a childhood as she was Geneva’s right hand. She learned very early to care for her siblings. After she got over the measles she saw to the need of the others, including her mother, who had come down with them. JoAnn earned money by babysitting and ironing for the women in Aberdeen and seemed to have a knack for saving for an emergency. Even while hoeing beets she could outdo everyone. JoAnn was a good cook as she learned from one of the best. She scored a perfect score with her biscuits in home economics. Even while at Safe Haven she would quote a recipe for someone as she never seemed to forget how to cook. She could bake any cake from scratch. She loved to sew and made many of her own clothes. She loved everyone and gave much.
JoAnn wanted to be a school teacher. While in school she would finish early and help grade the other papers. She taught her siblings their ABC’s and arithmetic.
JoAnn graduated from Aberdeen High School on May 27, 1965. Upon graduation she went to work at Lamb Weston and got her own apartment. She worked there off and on until 1981. On Aug. 1, 1982 she married the love of her life, Earl Edwards in Idaho Falls.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her mom and dad; Earl; four brothers, Raymond (Betty) Gibbs, Charles (Betty) Gibbs, Robert Gibbs and Gerald (Kris) DeForest; Sally Jean; and two nephews, Roger Mac Caldwell and Vinny Misenhimer.
JoAnn is survived by one brother, Johnny DeForest; three sisters, Pat (Larry) Misenhimer, Sharon (Art) Peters and Ruby Owens.
JoAnn’s surviving nieces and nephews are Tammy and Ray Gibbs; Angie Kendrick, Mandy (Micah) Reed; Michael and Joey Gibbs; Carolyn (Terry) Howard; Tina and Russel DeForest; Brian (Ari) Peters; Monica (Howard) Jensen; Adam (Cande) DeForest; Allie Morris; Tonya (Louie) Rodriquez; and Tanya (Nick) Call with 21 great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at Davis-Rose Mortuary, 170 Idaho St. in American Falls. A viewing was held prior to services at 10 a.m. and interment followed services in the Neeley Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.
Thanks for reading! Read more in this week's print edition.Subscribe Today! |