Kay Alexander Gibbs, age 75, passed peacefully on April 2, 2021, at her home in Brownsville, Tennessee, surrounded by her family. She was born August 7, 1945, in Humboldt, Tennessee, to Howard and Lorene Mathis Alexander who preceded her in death. Kay grew up in Trenton, Tennessee, and graduated from Peabody High School where she loved being a cheerleader and spending time with her friends. She graduated with a degree in education from The University of Tennessee at Martin where she was an active member of Chi Omega. After graduation, she moved to Jackson, Tennessee, and taught elementary school there for many years. There she married her husband, Joe Gibbs, Jr. in 1969. While living in Jackson, she and Joe were active members of First Baptist Church. In 1983, she and her family moved to Brownsville where Kay was part of a successful tutoring service, helping countless children and high school students. She was also passionate about helping adults pursue their GED, and seeing the many adults who earned their diplomas brought her great joy. Sharing her faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was always a priority for Kay. She was actively involved in the Brownsville Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School classes and served in many other capacities. She also enjoyed being a mentor to numerous young people in the community, encouraging them both educationally and spiritually. Known for being fun-loving and always having a sense of humor, she loved to play the character “Chlorine” in the annual church play, which was well suited for her personality. Kay is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joe Gibbs, Jr. of Brownsville; one sister, Patty Jo Howe of South Pittsburg, Tennessee; one daughter, Joy Gibbs Phillips (Ben) of Jackson, Tennessee; and one son, David Alexander Gibbs (Natalie) of Flowood, Mississippi. Her treasured grandchildren are Alex and Will Gibbs and Clay and Kaylee Phillips. The family would like to thank Avalon Hospice of Jackson for their services as well as her three caregivers, Martha Harris, Elnora Johnson, and Rose Shaw, for their amazing love and care for Kay during her illness. A public graveside service will be held at Brownsville Memorial Gardens on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Bob Connerley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 2206, Brentwood, TN 37024. Pallbearers for the service will be Fred Gause, Jeff Hooper, Peter Mascolo, George Norvell, Ben Phillips, and John Watson. All services and arrangements are under the direction of Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville.
