We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 5:8 Camelia Irene Washington Gibbs, was born on July 18, 1945 in the South Santee Community of McClellanville, South Carolina, a daughter of the late John Smalls and Herlene Washington Campbell. She entered peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Trident Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina. Camelia received her education in the Charleston County School System. Camelia was united in Holy Matrimony to the Reverend Joe Gibbs, Sr. on November 22, 1964. They were married for 46 years. This union was blessed with six children: Carolyn, Diane, Robert, Iomia, Joe Jr. and Terrance. Carolyn preceded her in death. Mom, you have given us everything we need to live a fruitful life and for that we thank you. Camelia was a member of Cordesville United Methodist Church, where she served in the following capacities: member of the Stewardess Board, PPRC and the Usher Board. She was a member of Moncks Corner Chapter No, 161, Order of the Eastern Star. Camelia was a giver and a generous person. Where much is given, much is required; therefore, she extended her hands of love to everyone in need. God gave her a gift to make a lot out of very little with a smile. Irene had a beautiful smile, and a person of many, many HATS! She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving and devoted husband, Reverend Joe Gibbs, Sr.; her children, Diane (James) Pettiford of Charlotte, NC, Robert N. Gibbs of Laurens, SC, Iomia Renee Gibbs of Columbia, SC, Joe (Monique) Gibbs, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA and Terrance R. Gibbs of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren, Nakesha S. Whittaker, Jaira I. Rivers, Khaliah I. Pettiford, Ahmadre' C. Pettiford and Joshua Bettsill; four sisters, Rodell Maxwell, Emma J. (John) Foster, Susan Ann (Willis) Snider and Edith (William) Smith; one brother, George Campbell, Jr.; an adopted brother, Elder James Simmons of McClellanville, SC; two aunts; two sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; special sisters, Anna B. Gibbs and Natha Lee Gibbs; special friends, Ruth Carson and Charlena J. Rivers; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. To leave a memorial message for the family or to share a story please click on the "Sign Guestbook" tab.