Obituary of Helen Crabtree Gibbs

Helen Polly Crabtree Gibbs - Helen Gibbs was born on July 27, 1930, to Jim and Lenora Crabtree (both deceased). She died July 15, 2016 at home surrounded by love ones. She is survived by her husband, Sam Gibbs, whom she married on May 1, 1975, and five children, Harold Wright (Naomi deceased), Sam Wright (Joanne), Sarah Faircloth (Kelvin deceased), Jim Wright (Anita), and Paul Gibbs (Jackie). Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Helen graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1948. She began working when she was 13 years old at Sis' Shoe Store in Hillsborough. She also worked for 20 years at Thalhimers and then owned and operated Helen's Nearly New Shops in Durham and Hillsborough. Helen and Sam traveled throughout the United States, the Caribbean Islands, Europe and Middle East carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They also helped to establish a church in Trinidad. Helen is predeceased by her brothers and sisters and their wives/husbands, Arthur Crabtree (Ruth), Newman Crabtree (Elizabeth "Sis"), Walter Crabtree (Nina), Herman Crabtree (Kate), Jim Crabtree (Dorothy), Orman Crabtree, Ernest "Joe" Crabtree (Carolyn), Martha Carden (Maurice), Mary Grice (William), and Annie Downey (Zack). She is also predeceased by one grandchild and one great-grandchild. A viewing will be held Monday, July 18, from 6-8 pm, at Walker's Funeral Home, 204 North Churton Street in Hillsborough. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, July 19, in the Chapel at Walker's Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Crabtree Family Plot in Hillsborough Town Cemetery. Walkersfuneralservice.com