Sarah Cooper Gibson

Sarah Estella Cooper Gibson went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, December 12, 2024. She was the daughter of Paul and Nora (née Tritt) Cooper of Qualla township in Jackson County. She was born September 5, 1927 and graduated from Sylva Central High School in 1945.

Estella had a strong faith in God and lived her faith daily. A member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, she attended regularly until health problems prevented it.

Living on a farm, she enjoyed the outdoors working in the garden, and preparing and canning for the winter. She especially liked to can extra beans for the children. Nobody could fix cucumber pickles like grandmother. 

In addition to her parents, Estella was preceded in death by eight (8) sisters: Ruby Caldwell, Eleanor Conner, Hettie Crisp, Beulah Kinsland, Una Galloway, Lenora Rogers, Louise Maney, and Ditts Snyder. Also, three brothers: Earl, Paul Tid, and Dennis Cooper. 

She leaves behind the love of her life for 77 years, her husband Gene Gibson, and three wonderful children: Bill Gibson (Kristen), Jo Ann Kiser (George), and Nancy Paine (Russell). In addition, six grandchildren: Laura Gantt (Rick), Tyree Kiser IV, Bill Paine (Amy), Thomas Paine, Sarah Gibson (Jack), and Savannah Glance (Tyler). Also, five great-grandchildren: Melissa Sleater, Patrick Sleater, Blake Kiser, Lillian Kiser, and Nora Glance. 

Private funeral services were held at 1pm December 16, officiated by Reverend Larry Reeves. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Thomas Memorial Cemetery c/o Tracy Clark, 40 Boxwood Dr., Whittier. NC 28789 or Fourseasonsfdn.org 

Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva is in charge of the arrangements.