Wilma Jean Gibson

Wilma Jean Gibson, 65, of Terre Haute, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, following a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born on December 22, 1952, to Rex and Thelma Wynn Gibson of Salem, Indiana, who also preceded her in death.

Wilma graduated from West Washington High School in 1970 and earned both B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana State University, where she played on the women’s basketball and softball teams.  Her basketball team advanced to the Women’s National Basketball Tournament held at Queens College in Flushing, New York, in March 1973.  She played women’s major fastpitch softball with the Terre Haute Chevettes.  The team won the Indiana Amateur Softball Association state title for ten consecutive years from 1966 to 1975 and again in 1977 and 1978.  Wilma and her teammates were inducted into the A.S.A. Hall of Fame in 2009.

Wilma was a physical education teacher.  She began her career at Brazil High School, where she taught for four years, starting in 1974.  She then taught 29 years at Otter Creek Middle School in Vigo County, where she also served as Athletic Director.  Wilma was the recipient of an Excellence in Education Award from the Vigo County Education Foundation in 2010.  She retired from teaching in 2012.

Wilma loved riding her Harley, John Deere tractors, bass fishing, and boating.  She was kind hearted and never met a stranger.

Survivors include: Cindy Fields, a sister:  Patty Hamilton and husband, Charles, brother:  Tom Gibson and wife, Tammy, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great-niece.  Wilma will be dearly missed by Sue and Mike Slack, Brian and Meaghan Slack, and Braelynn and Mykah Slack.

A memorial service will be held at Weathers Funeral Home at 6PM on Friday, February 9 with Neil Kenyon officiating.  Funeral services will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home in Terre Haute at 4PM on Sunday, February 11 with Chris Newton officiating.  Visitation will be held at Roselawn Funeral Home, on Sunday, from 1PM until the time of service.  Private interment will take place in Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net or www.weathersfuneralhome.com