Ann Allen Gibson

Dorothy Ann Allen Gibson, 83, passed away Monday, April 21, 2014 surrounded by family and friends at her home in Bartow, Florida. She was a loving wife and mother who brought comfort and joy to her family and her many friends. She is cherished by her husband of sixty-three years, Dr. Clyde E. Gibson of Bartow, two children: Cheryl Gibson Smith of Atlanta, GA and Clyde Allen Gibson (Deanna) of Bartow, four grandchildren: Ian Aldridge Smith, Sommer Lauren Smith, Anna Mae Gibson, and William Allen Gibson. She is also survived by her two younger brothers Hillard Allen (Carolyn) of Due West, SC, and Burke Allen (Glaucia) of Falls Church, VA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews loved by her. Ann delighted in children, working as a kindergarten teacher for Martha Hunter and in her later years establishing a school in the Amazon Basin in Brazil, where she and her husband shared a three year adventure of a lifetime. Ann loved all green growing things, the animal kingdom, and traveling to exotic places. She was a member of the Women of the Church, Circle #1, at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Bartow, the Bartow Garden Club, the Junior Service League, and her special favorite, supporting the Bartow Rotary Club as a Rotary Ann. Numerous international exchange students were welcomed into Ann's home. Visitation will be held at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 11:00 A.M. at the Bartow Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 205 E. Standford St, Bartow with Rev. Rob Patrick officiating. Interment services will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow.