Mary Gibson-9-16-2023

Mary Loretta Gibson, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt unexpectedly passed away on August 29, 2023.  Mary was born in Long Branch on September 5, 1956, to the late James and Nancy Gibson.  She attended the Long Branch school system and lived in Long Branch and Eatontown all her life.

Mary worked at DuPont most of her career.

Mary started to show her caring heart as a teenager and this continued until she transitioned to be with the Lord.  Mary was the second oldest daughter in the family and once she started working she would share whatever she had with her other siblings, nieces and nephews while raising her only child, her beloved Ayana as a single parent. Mary was like a second mother to her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Mary taught her daughter Ayana to respect others, the value of hard work and to be independent.  When her grandchildren Nasyrah and Sydir were born she enjoyed spending quality time with them.

When the family matriarch became disabled, Mary took a leave of absence from work and moved back into the family home to care for her beloved mother; the two of them had often done things together. Mary accompanied mom when she wanted to visit relatives in South Carolina, and they loved going to flea markets together.

When her great granddaughter Synilah was born she retired early from DuPont to help with her care, and subsequently the care of her great grandson Major.

In the past few years, Mary often visited her brother Larry in South Carolina to make sure he was doing well. Mary did all these things because of her loving and caring heart. She was selfless.

Mary had a passion for cooking and was the first one in the family to experiment with cooking a variety of dishes. She was an excellent cook and especially loved cooking for the holidays. At family barbeques her specialty was baked beans among other dishes. Mary enjoyed sitting in the backyard talking with family and friends.

Mary loved to dance and have a fun time; she enjoyed attending the Oldies but Goodies Dance twice a year as well as other dances.  She liked to watch football and tennis.

Mary often went to New York with her sister Angela to walk around and eat at restaurants. She had an infectious smile and a good soul.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents James and Nancy Gibson and her brothers, Randy and Ronald.

Mary is survived by her daughter Ayana Gibson; granddaughter Nasyrah Gibson; grandson Sydir Gibson; great granddaugher Synilah Gibson-Dudley and great grandson Major Hart; five brothers James, Douglas, Larry, Robert, and Donald; six sisters Jessie, Theresa, Peggy, Angela, Patricia and Monica; her best friend Brenda Durant. Mary is also mourned by her many nieces and nephews which consists of three generations, as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family and friends will forever cherish Mary's memory.