Bernice E. Gibson

Bernice Edith Gibson Bernice Edith Gibson, 89, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, surrounded by her loving family as they sang some of her favorite hymns. Bernice was born in Detroit, MI, on January 3rd, 1933, to parents Edward Louis and Bertha Frieda. She began her lifelong Lutheran service when she was baptized at Zion Lutheran in Detroit. Here she would grow in her faith, be confirmed and be married. She first met William Oliver Gibson in 1948 when he was working outside the local funeral home. They were married at Zion on August 6th, 1955, and their marriage was blessed with five children and lasted forty-six years until Bill’s passing in 2001. Their young family moved to Maumee, Ohio in 1965, and of utmost importance to Bernice was finding the right church and school for her growing family. That church would be Trinity Lutheran, and her lifelong Christian service there took many forms. Bernice would always make her service to Christ and the church a priority, from LWML, the prayer chain, funeral meals, and altar guild, to helping run the annual sauerkraut supper or quilting. She was ever eager to meet new members or visiting guests, and her faith was not only shared openly but was obvious to anyone who met her. It's estimated that Bernice attended hundreds if not thousands of Trinity basketball games in support of her husband Bill, who coached many Trinity teams over the years, and cheering for her five children and eight of her grandchildren who played basketball for Trinity. Three of her great grandchildren attend Trinity today. Bernice treasured time with her family and often said she wanted twelve kids. She loved her children’s spouses as if they were her own and loved watching her family grow, cherishing each grandchild and great grandchild. Whether it was time at the lake, in the pool, or at countless family parties and gatherings, it was family that mattered most. She had an understanding ear and a comforting voice that will be dearly missed. She also loved roses and gardening; a love she received from her father whom she lost when she was just seven years old. Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband William, her parents Louis and Bertha, her sister Frieda and brother Walter, and great grandson Finley. She is survived by her children Michael (Marilyn), Timothy (Terri), Daniel (Denean), Kathleen (Keith Diegel), and Patrick (Julie), eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Friends and family may call at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Avenue, on Sunday, March 27th from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 28th at 10:00 AM (visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 4560 Glendale Avenue, Toledo, Ohio. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to the Trinity Lutheran School Scholarship Fund or a charity of their choice.