Phyllis S. Gibson
Phyllis S. Gibson
Phyllis Ann Smiley Gibson, 92, of Stuarts Draft went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Augusta Health in Fishersville. She was born on May 31, 1934, in Rockbridge County to the late James Dorsey, Sr. and Willie Mae Fox Smiley. Phyllis was a devoted member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Staunton, where she cherished her church family and found great joy in planting and tending to the church's flower beds. Throughout her life, she had a special gift for caring for others, including several nieces and nephews whom she lovingly cared for in her home over the years. She was employed at Stuart Hall in Staunton and later retired from Oak Hill Nursing Home in Staunton, where she worked as a care aide. Phyllis will be remembered for her strong work ethic, loving heart, and generous spirit. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and found happiness in doing for others. An avid gardener, she especially enjoyed sharing the fruits of her labor with family, friends, and neighbors. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Ann Gibson Cason and her partner, Ronnie Lee Piner; her grandson, Matthew Damon Cason and his wife, Kayla; her great-granddaughter, Winter Luna Cason (Pee-Wee); her bonus great-granddaughter, Madison Mowbray; her three sisters, Alice Dora Smiley Shull, Patsy Eleanor Smiley Crosby, and Betty Jane Smiley Huffman, who was a supportive and loving caregiver to Phyllis; and her sisters-in-law, Shirley, Virginia, and Dee Smiley. She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-one years, Nelson Damon Gibson; and her five brothers, James Dorsey Smiley, Jr., Kenneth Fox Smiley, Joe Bailey Smiley, Sr., Samuel Martain Smiley, and Wallace William Smiley. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Staunton with Pastor John Craft officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will immediately follow at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton. Serving as active pallbearers will be Tony Crosby, Randy Swisher, Carl King, Jared Mullenax, Matt Cason, and Cody Huffman. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to Dr. Lynch and the nursing staff at Augusta Health, especially Anna Grant, for the exceptional care, kindness, and comfort they provided Phyllis during her final days. They would also like to express their sincere thanks to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah for their compassionate care, as well as to her many loving friends and family members for their unwavering love, support, and kindness throughout this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 2501 Fifth Street, Staunton, VA 24401, or Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939).
