Melba Violet Gibson

She was born Sept. 24, 1917, in Wayside, the daughter of Rolla James and Lela (Gregory) Lawson. She graduated from Wayside High School. She had lived in Perry since 1984, moving there from Independence, Kan.

Mrs. Gibson began working after the death of her husband. She worked at a nursing home in Independence, Kan., and served as a private duty nurse and a daycare provider. She retired in 1984, after serving as church secretary at First Baptist Church, Independence, Kan.

She was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Perry, where she served as a Sunday school teacher and a Bible study leader.

She married Floyd Hubert Gibson on Dec. 24, 1935, in Independence, Kan. He died Nov. 22, 1960.

Survivors include a son, Floyd Wayne Gibson, Eufaula, Okla.; a daughter, Janet Hoover, Perry; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to First Missionary Baptist Church, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 416, Oskaloosa 66066.