Willmatyne Gibbs

Willmatyne was born in Clinton, South Carolina on July 26, 1940 and departed this world on January 6, 2026 with the quiet grace that defined her days. A graduate of Bell Street High School, she carried a dignity that only time and tenderness can bestow.

Her journey led her from Clinton, South Carolina to Columbus, Ohio where she came to marry the love of her life, Willie Lewis Gibbs. In that union she found a home for her heart and a steadfast companion until his death in November of 1995. Three (3) boys were born to this union: Jeffrey, Gregory and Shawn.

Her love and care for people led her to become a nurse’s aide at Grant Hospital and, in later years, she retired from Lucent Technologies. Her family moved from Lilly Ave in Columbus to Reynoldsburg which ultimately led to an unbreakable bond with Jerome Ross II, her beloved adopted son, a connection forged in mutual enduring affection.

In the early 1980s, Wilmatyne joined Triedstone Baptist Church, following her beloved Gibbs Family, seeking deeper faith and fellowship. She became a faithful, unassuming presence; a member who sat on the fourth row from the back in the middle section near the end. Those who remembered her, recall her coiffed honey-blond hair and her penchant for impeccably matching suits. She remained with the congregation until her health constrained her steps, yet, she cherished the Sundays she shared through the streaming service, a modest way to stay connected to the faith she loved.

Family was Wilmatyne’s deepest treasure, and she reveled in the warmth of gatherings; Thanksgiving, Christmas or a summer barbecue where laughter and family ties flourished. Two of her culinary signatures’ dishes, baked beans and a Seven-Up pound cake always graced the menu.

Willmatyne loved many things... She delighted in a good game of bingo, especially if she won, Lady Ross’ cooking, Joe Moorehead’s singing, Bishop Ross’ preaching, her birthday twin, James Whatley’s humor and her secret pal. She found joy in traveling to Washington, DC to visit her beloved brother and sister-in-law (Bobbie and Lala) and watching basketball. She had intimate conversations that wove her days and nights together with her sisters Arlene and Betty (also taking summer trips to South Carolina). She also delighted in weekly chats with friends Delores, Norma, and Marva. She had a longstanding friendship with Gloria and JD— classmates with whom she remained in touch for over six decades. She had a special kinship with her cousin Mattie, sister-in-law Essie and her beloved BFF Shirley.

Wilmatyne lived vicariously through (sister-in-law ) Goldean, always requesting a detailed report of her travels. However, she knew no distance when it came to (brother and sister-in-law ) Lewis and Burnetta they were always on her mind and in her heart. Jeffrey Gregory and Shawn were the light of her life and it was her generous heart that always rendered her as a pillar of support for them. She adored her grandsons, JD (April ) and Antwaun (Toni) who were devoted to ensuring all her needs were met. Granddaughter Kaila was her personal Registered Nurse. Great grandchildren Aja, Trey, Faith, Bella and Peyton spoiled her all the time which she absolutely Loved!! Her warm personality and love of family established the blessing of a bonus family with sons Oscar, Kevin and Lorenzo and daughter Deanna—each of whom played an important role in her life.

In every memory of Willmatyne, there lies a legacy of a life well lived, compassion and steadfast. May we honor her by tending to one another with the same grace and love she showed to us all. Living out her southern heritage she would end every conversation with I love you a bushel and a peck and hug around your neck. Back at you Willmatyne we love you with a bushel and a peck and a hug around your neck.

Willmatyne is preceded in death by: Parents and husband, Willie Lewis.

She leaves to cherish her memory her Sons,: Jeffrey, Gregory, Shawn; Adopted Son: Jerome II ( Melissa) Ross; Sisters: Arlene Satchell of Philadelphia, PA. and Betty Dunlap of Columbus, OH.; Grandsons: JD ( April) and Antwaun ( Toni) Gibbs; Granddaughter: Kaila Gibbs; Great Granddaughters: Aja Lynox Martinez, Faith and Bella Gibbs; Great Grandsons: Trey and Peyton Gibbs; Brother- in- Laws: Robert Snead (Lala) of Washington, DC and Lewis C Gibbs (Burnetta) of Bloomfield Hills, Mi; Sister- in- Laws: Goldean Gibbs of Columbus and Essie Spencer of Maryland; Nieces: Valerie Dunlap and Dwana Kelly; Nephews: Derrick Dunlap and Anthony (Denise) Snead; Special Cousin: Mattie Howell and a host of other Family and Friends.