Carolyn Matthews Gibbs

Carolyn Gibbs, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.

Carolyn was born in Florence County, SC, to the late John Wesley and Leola Welch Matthews. She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 62 years, Benjamin (Larry) Gibbs. As one of seven siblings, she was also preceded in death by brothers, Ralph, James, and Rod, and sisters Claudette, Shirley, and Johnette. Family meant everything to Carolyn whether it was her siblings and their families, her children and grandchildren, or her new family of 4 years at English Meadows.

Carolyn was a nurse at Johnston Memorial Hospital and then worked alongside her husband, Larry, at Springford Knitting in Chilhowie, VA. She was retired and enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, genealogy, casinos, and travelling to visit family and friends. Carolyn volunteered as a decorative painter during the Historic Lincoln Theatre restorations. She was warm and welcoming, made birthdays and holidays extra special, was frequently complimented for her iconic silver hair and aroma of wonderful essential oils, gave big hugs often, and firmly believed that “attitude and gratitude” were the secret to happiness and longevity.

She is survived by son, Ben Gibbs and wife, Rhonda, of Kingsport, TN; daughter, Susie Fields and husband, Dave, of Atkins, VA; grandchildren, Laura Criswell and husband, Nate, of Pensacola, FL; Abby Burdine and husband, Matt, of Kingsport, TN, Ferris Ellis and partner, Victoria Lustig, of Lexington, KY; and Michael Ellis of Raleigh, NC; special sister-in-law, Frankie Welch and husband, Donald, of Olanta, SC; and her lifelong friend, Kayleen Ruth, of Denison, TX.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum in Abingdon, with funeral services immediately following with the Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating.

The family wishes to thank the staff at English Meadows, especially her favorite nurse, Melissa, Dr. Brian Douts of Abingdon Chiropractic, and all the nurses and doctors at Johnston Memorial Hospital.

The family of Carolyn Gibbs is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.