Maryhelen Hendrix Gibson
Maryhelen Hendrix Gibson, 90, wife of the late Wilton Jason “Witt” Gibson, Jr., died August 9, 2022, at her home surrounded by her family.
A native of Greer, she was born in the summer of 1932 to the late Samuel Herbert and Helen Wood Hendrix and lived most of her life on the same neighborhood block.
Although Maryhelen was an only child, she made up for her lack of siblings by befriending every soul—human or animal—she came across. She “never met a stranger,” and was known near and far for her sunny disposition and good humor. She talked loquaciously, but never too much about herself; she was genuinely interested in the lives and hopes of others.
Maryhelen attended Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, then Furman University in Greenville before marrying Witt, whom she described as her soulmate. The two had met as childhood playmates before spotting each other across the dance floor at a Clemson University function, commencing a storybook courtship followed by 30 years of wedded bliss and even two memorable years in Germany.
Following his untimely passing in 1983, Maryhelen spent nearly four decades honoring her husband’s memory and awaiting their heavenly reunion. In the time between, Maryhelen dedicated herself to the couple’s three beautiful daughters: Leigh Cousins (Tim) of Greer, Gina Kennedy of Greenville, and Carol Abney of Greer; and three granddaughters, Katherine Lesley Abney of Atlanta, GA, Alexandra Anne Kennedy of Greenville and Erin Virginia Abney of Washington, DC.
Maryhelen was employed for 35 years by the Greenville County School District in the library of Greer High School. She was a fixture there, cherished by students and beloved by all for her infectious optimism. She also was adored by a bevy of precious friends with whom she attended Sunday school and traveled frequently. Her daily joys included morning jogs, collecting blue-and-white porcelain, reading the “funny paper” over breakfast, curating her perfectly coordinated ensembles or relaxing in her Charleston-style garden with her faithful Dachshund companion, Charlie.
Maryhelen’s life was one of service to others, revolving around the virtues of kindness, charity, hospitality and most especially faith. She gave generously and unselfishly according to the example set by her savior, always gravitating toward those who needed her love most. A devoted member of her church, Maryhelen could often be found worshiping in both the contemporary and traditional services, underscoring her open-mindedness to new horizons in addition to the deeply rooted traditions she held dear.
Scripture was a guiding force of Maryhelen’s life, and while she enjoyed many favorite verses, one—Psalm 118:24—prevails: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Maryhelen rose to meet each day with this philosophy, and as those fortunate enough to have known her can attest, she did so faithfully.
The family would like to recognize Maryhelen’s loving caregivers Regina Green, Cheryl Patterson, Collette Taylor, Robbie Martin, Alice Arnold, Rosaline Bjune, Michelle Ward, Maria Ellis, Patsy Jameson and Annette Belding, with special thanks to Amanda Cannon.
A funeral service and private burial were held on Friday, August 12, at Memorial Methodist Church in Greer. She is interred at her family’s plot within Wood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 N. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650, or Greer Community Ministries, P.O. Box 1373, Greer, SC 29652.
Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.
