Martha Frazier Gibson

Martha Frazier Gibson Mrs. Martha Frazier Gibson, age 97, formerly of Grundy, Virginia made her transition into a new life, Wednesday, October 13th of 2021. She joins her devoted husband, the love of her life for 57 years, Robert W. Gibson, Jr. She also joins her beloved sons, Robert W. Gibson, III and Steven Frazier Gibson; her parents, Henry C. and Elefair Frazier; her sister, Mazie White; and brother-in-law, Early White; along with four brothers and six additional sisters. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her only daughter, Nancy Witt, and son-in-law, A.D. Witt, of Abingdon. She also leaves behind granddaughters, Meredith Gibson Henshaw (Kevin), Jill Gibson Yates (Joey), Robin Witt Harrell (Ben), Allison Witt Price (Curtis), Rebecca Gibson and grandson Steven Alexander Gibson (Emily). Her great grandchildren are Shannon and Trent Henshaw, Isabel Steele, Luke and Ashley Harrell, Noah and Ross Gibson, Ruby Gibson, and Mazie and Clete Price. Martha leaves behind many precious nieces, nephews and friends she dearly loved. She also leaves behind special friends, Emory Wright and Katherine Whitehead. 

Martha was born on May 22, 1924, in Harlan County, Ky. and later moved to Grundy, Va. where she spent most of her life before moving to Abingdon in 1991. She was a retired business woman and homemaker. After working as a salesperson for Dixon Jewelers and serving as the director of the Neighborhood Youth Corps (a government funded educational program) in Buchanan County, she began her own business opening The Sewing Mart in Grundy. In 1967, her husband founded Bob Gibson Powder Company and she took a vital role in the business serving as the company's Vice President. The company grew into two other explosive companies, Gibson Explosives in Duffield, Va. and Lily Explosives in Beckley, W.Va. She also took an active role in her children's many activities. She and her husband were athletic boosters and supporters. Martha was active with the Grundy High School cheerleaders and was a Brownie and Girl Scout troop leader. She was a member of Grundy Baptist Church where she was active in many youth activities and after moving to Abingdon attended Highlands Fellowship. Her ministry in life was preparing meals for those she loved and those in need. She enthusiastically opened her home for several years to host a ladies' Bible Study. She was a terrific homemaker always welcoming her family and friends. She was active in the Eastern Star Order 133 and several other ladies' organizations and enjoyed the game of golf with her husband, family and girlfriends. She will be remembered as a blessing to her family and friends. 

Recently in life, Martha gained new and special friendships with her loving caregivers. The family fondly thanks these wonderful women: Karen Blankenship, Connie Bundy, Mary Gilbert, Peggy Jordan, Nippie McLaughlin, and Teresa Mullins. 

A celebration of the long and beautiful life of Martha Frazier Gibson will be conducted on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. at Highlands Fellowship, 22417 Watauga Rd., Abingdon, Va.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, Tenn. 38105, or the charity of your choice.