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Mrs. Almetta Gibbs White was born on February 25, 1942 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late John Gibbs and Mary Williams Gibbs. Almetta entered eternal rest on January 5, 2021.
During her early years, Almetta attended the public schools in Columbia, South Carolina. She was a proud graduate of Bethel High School, Class of 1963. After completing high school, she joined the workforce. Almetta grew up with a large family so, naturally, she developed a love for people at a very early age. Her gift of caring for others translated into her having a very fulfilling career as a domestic worker for several doctors in Columbia. Almetta’s position required her to care for the doctors’ children, with a smile on her face each day, instilling in their children all the values and love she had to give. Almetta had a heart of gold and her daily desire for helping and caring for others was reflected in her work and the way she lived her life.
In 1966, Almetta married the love of her life, James White, Sr. and they remained married until his passing in 1991. From their union, two beautiful children, Patricia White and James White, Jr., were born. Almetta was a very proud matriarch who valued quality time with her loved ones. She always greeted her family members with a smile, kind words, and a warm hug. She never let her loved ones have a bad day because she would keep them covered in prayer and would provide encouragement, a listening ear, and a helping hand in any situation.
Almetta was a wonderful matriarch and a faithful woman of God. She loved the Lord and gospel music. Her favorite gospel song was “I Won’t Complain” because it reminded her to be thankful for everything she had. She was a woman that showed lots of gratitude and reminded those around her to do the same. Those that knew Almetta were able to see God shine through her due to her selfless acts and kind words.
Almetta will also be remembered for being a fun and outgoing woman. She loved talking on the phone with her family and friends and also loved cooking. She was known for making the best neckbones and mustard greens. Almetta also loved gardening and prided herself on keeping her yard well-maintained. This meant no one could park or walk on her grass. Not only could no one park or walk on her grass, but no one could talk bad about the Obama family in her presence. Almetta loved the Obamas! She had every newspaper clipping of the family because she was their self-declared biggest fan. Almetta will also be remembered for being the biggest fan of Bright and Early orange juice. She kept jugs of the juice in her house, specifically for her and her grands, whom she loved with all her heart. She also loved the beach and would often go just to sit in the room and listen to the ocean while watching the waves. The beach brought her a sense of peace, as she loved seeing God’s creations in their natural forms. Almetta will be remembered for being very easy-going and appreciating the simple things in life. Out of everything she enjoyed, she enjoyed those things that money could not buy such as peace, quality time and happiness.
Almetta was preceded in death by her parents, John Gibbs and Mary Williams Gibbs; her loving husband, James White, Sr.; eight siblings, Ruby Knight, Maggie Ross, Martha Gibbs Ellison, Mary Hayes, Isaiah Gibbs, Willie Gibbs, Gene Gibbs, and Dock Gibbs; and one grandson, James White, III.
Left behind to cherish her precious memories are her children, Patricia White and James White, Jr., both of Columbia; four grandchildren, Jamaius White, Jeremy White, Jazzmine Lyric Bass, and Jordan White; five great-grandchildren, Melissa, Khalani, Jaylen, Alara, and King; three siblings, Elizabeth Liles, Frank (Nancy) Gibbs, and James (Ann); five sisters-in-law, Mary Gibbs, May Helen Gibbs, Vermell (Jessie) Gibbs, Henrietta (Johnny) Gibbs, and Lilly Bell Quales; and a host of special nieces, nephews, relatives, and loving friends.
The family and friends of Almetta will always love, cherish, and remember her.
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