Obituary of Sara Deloache Gibson

Sara DeLoache Gibson, 97, died Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at home. Born on April 15,1928, she was the daughter of James Nathaniel DeLoache and Mary Lester DeLoache of Saluda, SC. She was the beloved wife of the late Edward Vause Gibson. Her daughters are Frances Gibson Shuler (Russell) of Asheville, North Carolina, and Dollie Gibson Spigener (Bill) of Statesboro, Georgia. 

 

She was lovingly known as Mimi to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Ashley Shuler (Jeremy Estey), Sara Lynn Shuler, William Spigener, Sara Wright (Spence), and Mary Catherine Nobles (Alex). Also surviving are 7 great-grandchildren, 11 nieces and nephews, and a sister-in-law, Lois DeLoache, of Saluda. Preceding her in death, were James Lester, Kempson, Paul, and Mary DeLoache, Ruth D. Thompson, and Dolly Hare.

 

After graduating valedictorian from Saluda High School, she graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College and double-majored at Columbia College. She received a Master’s degree from Emory University.  

 

In 1950, Sara moved to Sumter where she served as Director of Christian Education at Trinity United Methodist Church. Later, she was an elementary teacher in Sumter Schools and then at Wilson Hall for 17 years.

 

She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the FaHoLo Sunday School Class. She served in many capacities at Trinity, including Church School Superintendent, Board of Trustees, Landscaping Committee and Trinity Travelers. Also, she served as a teacher for the United Methodist Women and FaHoLo Sunday School class. In addition, she was the originator and supervisor of the stained-glass booklet, I Am the Light, for the sanctuary pews, which provides the history and meaning of each window in the sanctuary and chapel.

 

Sara and Ed enjoyed traveling and spending time at the Dol-Fran apartments at Surfside Beach with their family and friends. She had many interests, including arranging and sharing her flowers, feeding the birds, talking to neighbors and friends in the yard, listening to music, and exercising daily. Later, she enjoyed listening to Books on Tape. Sara was an avid reader, gardener, and nature lover. 

 

She was an active member of the Sumter community. She was a member of the Junior Welfare League, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Honorary Educational Society for teachers. Also, she was a member of the Bland Garden Club and a nationally accredited flower show judge. For 20 years, she enjoyed participating in a water exercise class at the YMCA.

 

The family appreciates the faithful, dedicated care provided by her Visiting Angels. The family also appreciates the services provided by Amedisys Hospice.

 

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery when the family is able to gather.

 

The family requests that memorials be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150.

 

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

 

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements.