Elma Hart Gibson, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 surrounded by family.

Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel, officiated by Pastor Tracy Gross. A private interment for family will be held with military rites.

Born on March 7, 1940, in West Seneca, NY, she was a daughter of Merrill Theodore and Gertrude Grace (Riggle) Hart.

A proud veteran, Elma served her nation as an Aviation Photographer’s Mate in the United States Navy. Her dedication to honorable service was reflected throughout her life, evident in the care and compassion she extended to those around her both in and out of uniform. She later worked for over 20 years at Pacific Telephone / Southern Bell and retired as a rural mail carrier in Scotland County.

Elma loved God and her family above all and found great joy in caring for them, especially by making morning muffins and cherished family recipes at holiday gatherings. From childhood, she delighted in reading, dancing, and music. Her Bible gave her strength and guidance throughout life, and music and hymns brought her great joy and comfort. She enjoyed traveling and found peace in the outdoors, from the beaches to the mountains. She especially loved hiking with her husband, Pat. These trips and the time spent with her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and granddogs were among her most treasured memories.

Elma is survived by her husband of 45 years, Patterson Brooks Gibson of the home; her daughters, Gina H. Markham (Gregg) of Mooresville, NC and Grace Evelyn Gibson of Nashville, TN; her sister, Violet Carver of Albertville, AL; three grandchildren Erin (Dalton), Ian (Erica), and Evan (Amy) and eight great-grandchildren Annlee, Alden, Landin, Summer Grace, Christian, Jackson, Charlie, and Paityn.

She was predeceased in death by her sisters, June Manno, “Ginny” Martin, Marilyn Harman; her brothers, “Tommy” Hart, “Ronnie” Hart; foster brother, Terry Fennell; and special family friend, Frances Gary.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23:6 KJV

The family requests memorials be sent to S. Mitchell Mack Hospice Home, 1325 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115 or Florence Baptist Temple – Discipled Veteran Ministry, PO Box 12809, Florence, SC 29504.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the Gibson family.

Online condolences can be made at www.bumgarnerfunerals.com.