John Henry Gibson's Obituary
John Henry Gibson was affectionately called both “John” and “Henry,” after his father, early
in his life. He was born on March 1, 1929 in Newark, New Jersey to Nellie West and Henry
Gibson. John Henry was the middle child of three siblings with whom he had a close bond. His
older sister Mary Elsie and his younger brother Howard all attended elementary school and
high school together in Brooklyn, New York. All three children moved with their grandparents
to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 1946, John Henry served in the United States Marine Corps. In
1951, he was drafted into the Army of the United States and served during the Korean War
period. He was a First Lieutenant stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. In 1953, he graduated
from the Brooklyn YMCA Trade School as a certified welder. He later worked in security and
retired from LaGuardia Hospital in Forest Hills, New York.
John Henry was a humble, calm, peaceful man and friend to everyone he met. His warm,
gentle personality and his loyalty were honored and admired by everyone. He was highly
skilled with his hands, building and repairing just about anything. He was the ultimate
handyman, proficient in a wide range of trades, including concrete work, plumbing and
electrical. John spent endless hours in the garden meticulously growing vegetables and
flowers. He had a love of nature and wood craftsmanship, coupled with the patience of a
saint. He could be seen daily by his neighbors taking routine walks through his condo
community. He was an avid reader and loved brain-teaser puzzles and word books. His
personal goal was to use his abilities to contribute to the well-being of others, approaching
every situation with a positive impact.
On April 18, 1981, John Henry married his late wife, Hilda Jane Tyson. They were married for
forty-two years and lived a comfortable life in Miami Gardens, Florida. He was a most devoted
and caring husband, father and grandparent to his family over the years. John’s final wish was
to relocate to Fort Washington, Maryland to live with his daughter, Robyn Gibson Evans. He
fulfilled this dream and was able to celebrate his ninety-sixth birthday in the DMV.
John Henry Gibson was a dedicated and hardworking man who loved his family deeply. He is
preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Jane Tyson Gibson; his former wife, Eleanor Gibson Kelly;
and his eldest daughter, Michele Gibson Jones. Left behind to mourn his absence is his
daughter, Robyn Gibson Evans; his granddaughter, Tiffany Jones; great granddaughters, Riyan
and Taylor Jones; his family-in-love extending from Hilda, sons Howard Tyson (Sonja) and
Robert Tyson; and their daughters, Elizabeth Wilson, Theresa Joia, Phyllis Wright, and
Thomasena Brown. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces,
nephews and friends who will miss him dearly, while cherishing the time and memories made
with him.
John Henry Gibson’s legacy will continue to live on in each of us whom he inspired. In the
words of Maya Angelou, “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It
brings us together again and again.”
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
