Wanda Joyce Gibbons

Born on January 11, 1932, Wanda was the youngest daughter of Carl Kidd and Nora Lovely Kidd of Portsmouth, Ohio. Wanda was always a seeker, an explorer, and not satisfied with "small town" answers. She sat under her favorite tree and read constantly, building her knowledge of history, arts, and literature. No matter what she learned she always continued to "ask." She was very independent and did not quite fit into her little town, so she left, worked hard and at age 21 met Donald Edward Gibbons. She fell in love, married, and had five children; she never settled, however, and always knew that there was more to do, more to seek. Wanda was a strong woman of character. She and her husband saved to buy their first home in Hollywood, while raising their five "lively" kids. Wanda was a devoted Grandparent who helped raise her first two grandchildren. She cared for her sick sister in her own home. She taught herself French, was a Toastmaster, wrote poetry, and also loved art, animals, travel and nature. She graduated in Social Work, and was an excellent Social Worker at Hollywood Medical Center in Florida, where she was able to help many people for many years. Wanda was the first person in her family to graduate from college, which she did with honors, and received a Master's degree from Nova University. While caring for a sick husband and five children, Wanda accomplished what seemed impossible - through her patience, perseverance, and loving determination, she made this dream come true. While in college, she found the Baha'i Faith through a wonderful art teacher. Wanda the "seeker" had found what she had asked for many years ago under that special tree. Her love for Christ and God brought even more fulfillment. She lived her faith, and although the debilitating illness of Parkinsonism and PSP took many physical abilities from her, her spirit and love filled heart only strengthened by the presence of her family. Wanda is survived by her two sisters, four daughters, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Meadows Memorial Park, Central, 4100 N.W. 39th Ave.

Wanda Joyce Gibbons

April 5, 2013