Helen (Payne) Gibson

PILOT MOUNTAIN – Helen Payne Gibson, 94, of Pilot Mountain, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.  She was born in Surry County on March 14, 1928, to the late Columbus Franklin and Sarah Berrier Payne.

At a very young age, Helen left home and went to work in Mount Airy in the textile industry.  She also worked for Hanes Knitting for many years while living in Winston-Salem in the early 50’s and retired from United Elastic in Stuart, VA.  After retirement, she pursued a career with Hallmark Cards until she reached the young age of 80.  She also farmed and raised tobacco alongside her husband and demonstrated and instilled a strong work ethic in her five children.  She enjoyed traveling the U.S. and abroad with family and friends.  Her travels consisted of Israel, Alaska, Canada, and to many locations within the United States.  Her last trip was to see Noah’s Ark and the Creation Museum in Kentucky.  Unfortunately, two years ago, at the age of 92, her most recently planned trip was cancelled due to Covid.    

Most importantly, Helen was a loyal and faithful servant of the gospel.  She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and served by her husband’s side as he ministered to churches in NC and VA, and pastored Gospel Baptist Church in Pilot Mountain from 1980 to 2006.

Helen is survived by two daughters, Delores G. Church and husband, Steve, of Welcome; Carolyn G. Brinkley and husband, Stan, of Pilot Mountain; three sons, Thomas W. Gibson, Jr. and wife, Lisa, of Pilot Mountain; Timothy M. Gibson and wife, Robin, of Pilot Mountain; and Gary W. Gibson and wife, Pam, of Pinnacle; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren.   Helen is also survived by two sisters, Mildred P. Overby and husband, Thomas, of Walnut Cove, and Mary P. Spencer of Lambsburg, VA, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Reverend Wallace Gibson, two brothers and six sisters.

A private graveside service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20th, at the Gibson family cemetery of Pilot Mountain with Brother Ken Overby and Pastor Kenneth Jessup officiating. Prior to the service, the body will lie in state beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19th until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20th at Cox-Needham Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Community Baptist Church, 1180 McDaniel Road, Pilot Mountain, NC, or donor’s choice.

Special thanks to Mary Frances Jackson and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center Palliative Care.

Cox-Needham Funeral Home is serving the family.

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