Reverend Joseph Gibbs Sr., was born on July 16, 1942 in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, a son of Jacob and Agnes Rivers Gibbs. He peacefully entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Self Regional Healthcare, Greenwood, SC.

Joe, as he was known, received his education in the public schools of Berkeley County, graduating from Berkeley Training High School. He later graduated from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

He was employed at Mepkin Abbey Monastery from where he retired.

Joe was united in Holy Matrimony to Camelia Washington Gibbs on November 22, 1964. They were married for 46 years and to this union, six children were born: Carolyn, Diane, Robert, Renee, Joe Jr. and Terrance. His wife and Carolyn preceded him in death.

Joe was a member of Cordesville United Methodist Church. After receiving His call to ministry, Joe served as Pastor at Red Root United Methodist Church and Sykes Savannah United Methodist Church, Bell Parish for 15 years and Pastor at Centenary United Methodist Church, Moncks Corner for 15 years. He later retired and returned to Cordesville United Methodist Church.

Rev. Gibbs served as a Trustee for Berkeley Electric Cooperative since his election in 1979, serving for 38 years. He served on Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Board for 19 years; served 3 terms on Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply (CEE-US) Board and was a National Rural Electric Association voting delegate for 30 years. He was also a member of Laurel Hill Lodge #193, F. & A.M., where he served as Past Master and Secretary; Community Chapter #382, OES; Charter Member of Gibbs-Johnson-Scott Chapter #45, HRAM and the NAACP.

He leaves to cherish loving memories: his children, Diane (James) Pettiford of Gastonia, NC, Robert Gibbs of Laurens, SC, Renee Gibbs of Chapin, SC, Joe Gibbs, Jr. (Monique) of Virginia Beach, VA and Terrance Gibbs of Moncks Corner, SC; eight grandchildren, Nakesha Whittaker, Jaira Rivers, Khaliah Pettiford, Ahmadre Pettiford, Joshua Betsill, Joelle Gibbs, Jolie Gibbs and Jodie Gibbs; one great-grandson, Quantavious Pettiford; two sisters, Mattie Clyburn and Bessie White; two brothers, John Henry Gibbs and Samuel Gibbs; sisters-in-law, Rodell Maxwell, Susan Ann (Willis) Snider and Edith (William) Smith; brother-in-law, George Campbell, Jr.; a special friend in his heart, Brenda Byers; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.