JPL Staff News: Final Farewell to Marjorie Gibbons

Monday, November 17, 2014

Final Farewell to Marjorie Gibbons

On August 27, 2014 Jackie Spiritas, Branch Manager of Dallas Graham Library, submitted a write up for the staff blog about Marjorie’s last work day at JPL. (You can scroll down and click on "older posts" to review the article. The picture of Marjorie with Mayor Brown is repeated because that was a big dream come true for her.)

Pat Morrison, Urban Library Centers Supervisor remembers, "Marjorie began her library career as a gangly teen working with the LOOP at the Eastside library. Those of you who have worked with Marjorie over the years will probably recall how she would respond to a query--first she would smile, then sigh, then she would preface her response with, 'Well …'. In the 20+ years of working with Marjorie I never heard her raise her voice or speak in anger to anyone. She had a quiet yet deliberate way of letting you know when she did not agree with you. She could be animated and excited when she talked about her interest in family history, genealogy, and ‘who was related to who’. The joke amongst those who knew her well was that Marjorie was related to everybody. If you gave her a few minutes of your time, she would try to find a family connection.

"Although Marjorie was plagued by a few ailments towards the end of her career, she still spoke about traveling and taking time to do just what she wanted to do. I can only hope that she was able to do some of the things she wanted to do during her brief time away from us.

"Marjorie’s last anniversary pin was more than a year overdue because Marjorie had requested to be placed on the list to have her pin presented by the Mayor. After the long delay, the pin was sent out to the unit and I presented it to Marjorie. Marjorie was disappointed but she graciously accepted the pin and talked about her years with JPL. The fact that the photograph with Mayor Brown in Wal-Mart was taken the week of her retirement could be considered coincidental, fate, weird, kismet or it could exemplify Marjorie’s determination to clear her bucket list. Whatever it was, I am glad Marjorie got to experience that moment of joy during what turned out to be her final days on earth."

A lovely lady, Marjorie Gibbons, will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Services for Marjorie Gibbons:

Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 11:00 a.m.
Trumpet in Zion Fellowship
6007 Seaboard Ave at 110^th St.

Viewing:

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
A.B. Coleman Mortuary
5660 Moncrief Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209
(904) 768-0507

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I am a breast cancer survivor as a result of God’s Grace and an early detection of the cancer. May I suggest that each of you, if you have not already done so, take time to schedule health screenings of any kind knowing that these can be lifesaving methods for you.

To God be the glory for the things he has done. I am now free of cancer and want to say again that I appreciate what you did for me. Not knowing who my time donors were, I am not able to give individual hugs; collectively to the JPL Family I say THANK YOU a million times over.

Denise Thomas, JPL’s Center for Adult Learning at Main.

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Main's Children’s departmemt had a jolly great time with Old Saint Nick this year. We handed out jingle bells, read a sleigh ride picture book and, of course, sang the Jingle Bells song. Next, resident elf, Carisia Rooney, took over and kept the line smiling as they waited to verify that indeed, Santa’s whiskers were real and so was his tummy! Afterward, Jonathan Sandbach held a bell-decorating class (complete with glitter) so the kids could take some of the holiday fun home with them.

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Denise is a Literacy Program Specialist in the Center for Adult Learning, located on the Conference level of the Main Library. She has done so much good for the community beside all the wonderful things she does for children in her position with JPL. Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop (far left) gave Denise a congratulatory letter from Mayor Curry and her 15 year service pin. Denise is 2nd from left, then CAL Manager Katie Devanny, & Tammy Owens. We join with them in congratulating you, Denise.