Nancy Gibson Obituary

Nancy Jean Smalling Gibson

April 8, 2025

JOHNSON CITY – Nancy Jean Smalling Gibson, 82, Johnson City, TN peacefully transitioned to eternal rest with the Lord on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, surrounded by immense love and in the comfort of her family home.

Mrs. Gibson was a lifelong resident of Johnson City, daughter of the late Imogene Caughron Smalling Loveless and Hagan Price Smalling.

Nancy was a 1961 graduate of Science Hill High School. Her annual senior yearbook, The Wataugan, described her as having "Pretty red hair…" and "always in style…" It also highlighted her compassionate, caring, and kind soul by stating, "kindness is the oil that makes the world run smooth…" and compared her to "crisp apples on an autumn day." Her senior honors were impeccable, extensive and numerous including membership on the Wataugan Advertising Staff, Glee Club, Senior Dramatics, Student Council, Spanish Club, and the Junior-Senior Prom Committee. She also served as the Secretary of Senior Home Room; participated in the Senior Play; was a Homecoming Queen Candidate; an Executive Officer of the R.O.T.C., serving as an R.O.T.C. sponsor; and last, but not least, Nancy was a trumpet player in the Hilltoppers Marching Band.

Mrs. Gibson was a 1964 graduate from East Tennessee State University where she received her bachelor's degree in elementary education. While attending ETSU she was active in campus life including her membership in the Kappa Delta Sorority and her continued membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honorary teachers' sorority, that continues to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Spanning over three decades, Mrs. Gibson had a wonderful and full career as an elementary school teacher. She taught in the Johnson City School System for 32 years, primarily teaching and mentoring 1st grade students at Fairmont Elementary. In addition, she was a HeadStart teacher for the Washington County Schools and was a 1st grade teacher at King Springs School. In her retirement years, she continued pursuing her passion for children's education through her committed volunteer efforts as a teaching assistant for Lake Ridge Elementary School, Johnson City School System and her lifetime P.T.A. membership from Fairmont Elementary School. Mrs. Gibson was a member of First Christian Church, where she previously served as Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Director. Her love and dedication to children led her to many years of happiness.

Nancy is survived by her loving and devoted husband of sixty-one years, Lt. Col. Harry Lee Gibson, Retired, who was her high-school sweetheart. Nancy and Harry met in 1960 at "Teen Town" in Johnson City and became inseparable. They dated 3 years prior to their marriage in 1964 and spent their honeymoon in Myrtle Beach, S.C. She is also survived by her loving twin sons of fifty years. Dr. Chris L. Gibson resides in Gainesville, Florida with his wife, Dr. Abigail Fagan, who both are Professors at the University of Florida. Derrick L. Gibson resides in Johnson City. Derrick's son, Hagan Gibson, is Nancy's only grandson and was her pride and joy. Nancy is also survived by her younger brother John Smalling, his wife Lisa Smalling, her two nephews, Brad and Todd Smalling, and her first cousin Ralph Smalling of Johnson City. She was also a loving mother to two dogs – Georgia and Ralph.

Nancy's funeral service and receiving of friends will be conducted Monday, April 14th, 2025, from 5:30 P.M. to 7 P.M., service at 7 P.M., in the Sanctuary of First Christian Church, 200 E. Mountcastle Dr., Johnson City, TN. 37601, with Pastors Jason Royston and Randy Hensley, officiating. Pallbearers are Dr. Chris L. Gibson; Derrick Gibson; Hagan Gibson; John, Brad, and Todd Smalling; Bob "Ponytail" Cooper; Omar Ellison; and Dan Slagle.

There will be a graveside committal service Tuesday, April 15th at 1pm at the Historic Site of Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City. Friends planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery by 12:50 P.M.

Although Nancy loved both flowers and children, she would prefer monetary donations made to Fairmont Elementary or Lake Ridge Elementary School in Johnson City to assist children in achieving their goals in learning.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Gibson Family. (423) 928-6111.