Annie B. Laster Gibbs, 79, of Ty Ty died peacefully at her home in Ty Ty on Thursday, February 28, 2008, surrounded by her loving family, after an extended illness, and greeted into heaven by her son, J. D. Gibbs, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2008, at Ty Ty First Baptist Church. Rev. Chad Hall and Danny Ray, Hospice of Tift Area Chaplain, will officiate with burial to follow in Ty Ty First Baptist Church Cemetery. The body will placed in the church one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Joe Hale, Jackie Drawdy, Dave Gibbs, Dewayne Drawdy, Andy Drawdy, Bucky Ethridge and Gerald Holley. Honorary pallbearers will be her great grandchildren, Vera Johnson and the staff of Hospice of Tift Area. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 2, 2008, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Ann was born on September 2, 1928 in Tift County and was the daughter of the late Alfred and Mae Bell Douglas Laster. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, William Laster and Gene Laster; and one son, J. D. "Junior' Gibbs, Jr. Ann or "Maw Maw", as she was affectionately called by friends and family alike, was a life-time resident and fixture of the Ty Ty Community. She was a homemaker, who delighted in caring for her family. She was famous for her cooking and well-known for always having fresh bread on the table, which was enjoyed by many. In true Christian and southern hospitality fashion, she always had an extra plate for anyone who came by. Her life's work and loved centered on her family and grandchildren. She also enjoyed working in her flower beds and driving her cherished Cadillac. She was a long-time member of Ty Ty First Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years and devoted care-giver, J. D. Gibbs, Sr.; four daughters and sons-in-law, Pat and James Naron of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Linda and Jack Drawdy of Ty Ty, Doris and Gerald Ethridge of Ty Ty, and Judy and Donnie Drawdy of Ty Ty; one daughter-in-law, Linda Gail Gibbs of Ty Ty, one sister, Jewell Parrish of Tifton; 15 grandchildren; and 33 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Tift Area.