Dorothy Frances Gibson

It is with deep sorrow, but also with gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Dorothy Frances Cassidy Gibson, age 100, who peacefully entered her heavenly home on January 27, 2025, in Thomasville, Georgia. A devout Christian, Dorothy's faith was the guiding light of her life, and she found great joy and strength in her lifelong membership at Thomasville United Methodist Church.

Born on November 25, 1924, in Marietta, Georgia, Dorothy was the cherished daughter of the late Ernest Shelton Cassidy and Mabel Elizabeth Thomas Cassidy. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always placing family and faith at the center of her life.

Dorothy graduated from Thomasville High School and continued her education at the Draughon School of Commerce in Atlanta. Her career was one of dedication and service, spending over 22 years as a secretary for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Prior to her time at FEMA, she held positions at the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce, Alexander Vann and Lilly, Atlanta Title Company, and the Thomas County Health Department. Through her work, she touched the lives of many with her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering work ethic.

On April 8, 1945, Dorothy married the love of her life, Charles Franklin Aycock Gibson, and together they built a home filled with love and faith. They shared forty-seven beautiful years of marriage before Frank preceded her in death.

Dorothy was a gifted artist with a deep appreciation for nature and all living things. She found joy in painting, often drawing inspiration from the beauty around her. She especially loved birds and always kept her feeders full, ensuring they were well cared for. Playing musical instruments was also a hobby of hers. She played both the piano and the dulcimer and found joy in sharing music with family and friends.

A devoted servant of her community, Dorothy volunteered at the Thomasville food bank, offering her time and kindness to those in need. She was also a lifelong member of the United Methodist Women and the Lawson Neel Sunday School class, where she faithfully served as secretary/treasurer for many years.

Dorothy loved to travel and explore the world beyond Thomasville. She shared many wonderful adventures with her longtime friend, Nancy Pugh, and together, in their younger years, they even journeyed to Scotland, creating cherished memories that lasted a lifetime.

She is survived by her children, Donald Franklin Gibson of Tallahassee, Florida, and Diane Elizabeth Gibson Newsome (Wayne Newsome, son-in-law) of Thomasville; grandchildren Nicholas Franklin Gibson and Kimberly Newsome Gray (Jarrod); great-grandchildren Ethan Randal Gray, Preston Wayne Gray, Nicholas Franklin Gibson, Jr., and Nichole Gibson; and sisters-in-law Sarah Dell Gibson Jackson and Doris Tryon Cassidy, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Franklin Aycock Gibson, her parents, and her brothers, Ernest J. Cassidy and Thomas S. Cassidy.

A service to honor Dorothy's life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2 PM at Allen and Allen Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Carrie Myers officiating. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in celebration of her remarkable journey. Following the service, Dorothy will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Thomasville United Methodist Church, 425 North Broad Street, Thomasville, Georgia, 31792, or to a charity of your choice.

Dorothy's life was a testament to love, faith, and kindness. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of compassion and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.