JoAnn Gibbs was born December 22, 1933 in St Louis, MO. She was raised by her grandmother until her passing and was eventually adopted by the Wolcott Family of Columbia. JoAnn was a graduate of Hickman High School and received her degree from the University of Missouri School of Nursing. She married Russell Liberty Gibbs and together they had three sons: Gary, Dennis and Andrew.
JoAnn was an entertainer, an educator, an innovator and a hard worker. She was well read and well spoken, had a beautiful voice and a passion for singing. She had a tender spot for animals, especially her beloved ‘Taffy Dog’. She traveled extensively through her coveted role as National Executive Director of C.L.O.G. (Clogging Leaders Organization), where she orchestrated and choreographed national and international conventions, workshops and competitions, as well as planned special events for Silver Dollar City and Dollywood. JoAnn’s energy was contagious as well as her love for life and flair for the dramatic. She was a kind and extremely generous soul and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
JoAnn left this world Wednesday, April 22, 2015 and was greeted by her youngest son, Andy. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Russell, as well as their two sons: Gary Gibbs and Dennis and Louise Gibbs of Columbia. She is also survived by her sister and friend, Emily Guyer, of Columbia. JoAnn adored her grandchildren: Heather Grisham of Columbia, Cari Gibbs Nichols and Travis Nichols of Ashland, Billy Joe Gibbs of Salt Lake City, UT, Drew and Jessica Gibbs of Atlanta, GA and Benji and Ashley Gibbs of McDonough, GA. JoAnn and Russell have three great grandchildren: Hanna Grisham, Brock Nichols and Bo Liberty Nichols.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18