Winona Ruth Gibson, 82, of Rockingham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, April 7, 2025, surrounded by her three loving brothers at Scottish Pines Rehab Center.
Winona was born on Nov. 30, 1942, in Lawton, Oklahoma. She is a daughter of the late Neal Arch Gibson Sr. and Georgette Wilson Gibson.
In addition to her parents, Winona is preceded in death by her brother, Steven Gibson; and sister-in-law, Brenda Gibson.
Left to cherish her memory are her brothers, Neal Gibson Jr., Richard (Debra) Gibson and Milton (Cindy) Gibson, as well as a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Winona enjoyed life to great extents, nothing brought her joy quite like bird watching or having her beloved dog Buffy by her side. She was an avid photographer as she belonged to the Richmond County Photography club and loved photographing birds. Winona also thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world such as her trips to Israel, Southeast Asia and Germany. She was a very independent person, but that never stopped her compassion, or her dedication to others.
Winona lived a full, compassionate life and knew what it meant to be devoted. She had devoted her careered life to caring for others, as she was a registered nurse through her studies at High Point Nursing School, had obtained a bachelor’s in nursing from Wingate University, and had a Masters in hospital administration which she completed at the University of Alabama. Winona’s dedication to this field of public service earned her the honor of being named one of the top 100 nurses in North Carolina.
Winona’s compassionate desire to care for others spread far beyond her career, though. Even when in rehab and nursing facilities, Winona shared moments with the nurses like snack breaks and time spent together that left memories of love even in her last days. Just as she cared for, and spent time with others, Winona was always dedicated to her family, and the connection shared between her and her brothers was one of great strength.
The Gibson siblings were blessed with each other and the natural bond that God had given to them. More than anything though, Winona was devoted to her Lord. She had spent time as a Sunday school teacher as well as church secretary for Cordova Baptist and Calvary Baptist and was always a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior. Winona was a loving soul who will be dearly missed, but her acts of loving compassion to her family, friends, and all she met created a legacy of love that will carry on her memory.
A visitation will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 1–3 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham, North Carolina. A graveside service will follow at Eastside Cemetery, with the Rev. Bill Monroe officiating.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Scotland Regional Hospice and Scottish Pines Rehab and Nursing Center for the excellent service provided to Winona and the family during their time of need.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Winona can be made out to Scotland Regional Hospice at 610 Lauchwood Drive, Laurinburg, N.C., 28352; or to Calvary Baptist Church at 406 McDonald Ave. Hamlet, N.C., 28345.
Online memorials and tributes can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Gibson family.
