Yetiva Varner Gibson

Yetiva Varner Gibson, 90, of Fall Branch, passed away Saturday January 20, 2007 at the Stanley Total Living Center in Stanley, NC.

The daughter of the late Louis M. and Susan Hunter Varner of Hixson, Tennessee, she attended high school in Dayton, Tennessee, and was a graduate of Milligan College in Johnson City.

Soon after graduating, she accepted a teaching position at Fall Branch High School. She eventually made Fall Branch her permanent home; remaining there for over 65 years before moving to Stanley, NC, due to declining health. Mrs. Gibson felt it was a privilege, an inspiration, and a joy to be a teacher. She completed 40 years as an educator at both Fall Branch High School and Sullivan West High School.

She was a lifetime, active member of the Fall Branch United Methodist Church, where she served ten years as secretary of the U.M.W. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, enjoyed needlework, and was a passionate sports enthusiast, especially basketball, football, and NASCAR.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Miles H. Gibson; and her daughter, Suzanne Gibson Viers.

Surviving are her grandchildren, Suzy Slaughter Deneen and husband, Scott, of Stanley, NC, Chris Slaughter and wife, Angie, of Johnson City, and Molly Slaughter Lenhart and husband, Mark, of Asheville, NC; four great-grandchildren, Shannon and Kerri Beth Slaughter and Micah and Emma Deneen; brother, T. P. Varner and wife, Juanita, Hixson, TN; half-brother, Kenneth Varner of NE; half-sisters, Maxine Langley, Ann Dobbs, and Wanda Varner, all of Hixson; and her very special and beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Fall Branch. Services will be at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Scott Deneen officiating.

Burial will follow at Bethesda Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Fall Branch United Methodist Church, c/o Jerry Deakins, 272 Melody Lane, Fall Branch, TN 37656.