Johanna Gibbs Obituary

Johanna Virginia Gibbs, age 89, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family. Johanna Gibbs was born April 29, 1936, in Aiken, SC to the late Tom Gibbs and Virginia George Gibbs. She is a 1958 graduate of the University of South Carolina. She earned a master's degree in education from the Citadel in 1979. Johanna began her teaching and coaching career at Aiken and Kennedy Junior High Schools in 1958. She was a physical education instructor at Aiken High School from 1963-1976. After serving Aiken High School, she began a career at University of South Carolina-Aiken where she began the girls' basketball and volleyball programs. In 1981, she became the assistant principal at Silver Bluff High School until her retirement in 1988. Johanna was highly success in all her coaching endeavors including being named Aiken County Coach of the year three times. Her accomplishments are most evident in the successes of the many students whose lives she touched. In addition to her parents, Johanna was preceded in death by her brother Tommy Gibbs; a sister-in-law, Donna Gibbs, and a niece Lisa Gibbs Cornwell. Survivors include a niece Beth Gibbs Mayberry (Jeff), Aiken, SC; a nephew Will Gibbs Aiken, SC; four great nephews, Lucas Cornwell, Phoenix Arizona, Davis Cornwell, Greenville, SC, Mason Gibbs, Aiken, SC, Wyles Cornwell, Aiken, SC; a special, life-long friend Henriann Goddard; one great- great nephew Graham Cornwell; and numerous cousins. Burial will be private with the funeral service to follow Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. John's Methodist Church. Following the service, the family will receive friends at a reception in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to SC Coaches Association of Women's Sports (SCCAWS), P.O. Box 261, Newberry, SC 29108. The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com