By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County Schools band director, Jennifer Gibson died Sept. 14, 2021, but the memory of the woman many revered for her values and love of children lives on in a memorial site on the same school campus where she taught for more than two decades.
Veterans, members of the public and students gathered to dedicate the memorial on Friday, Sept. 9. A centrally located site with a flag pole has been dedicated in honor of the beloved band director.
“We are gathered today for a grateful and patriotic duty, to dedicate this monument, a perpetual memorial to Jennifer Gibson, who gave herself first to God, then family and country. Those of you who knew her, know of her concern for all of mankind,” said Hayesville High school Principal Stacey Overlin.
He said Jennifer’s influence and presence in the community was widely felt. “The county commissioners donated to this, the school system donated as well as many others,” Overlin said. “May this monument be a constant reminder to be a positive influence to those around us.”
Jennifer’s husband, Andy Gibson expressed appreciation on behalf of himself and their daughters, Ann and Grace. “Thank you Clay County Schools and the American Legion for honoring Jennifer’s legacy.”
Andy spoke of the many roles Jennifer played in life. “Whether you know her as Jennifer, Mom, Ms. Gibson or “Mama G,” you know that she loved young people and helping everyone be their best, often through music and band, but sometimes just through passing in the hallway.
“She would be humbled and asking, “Why all the fuss? But she loved working with the American Legion o help us all remember the service and sacrifice our armed forces have given for our country,” Andy continued. “‘Dedication to faith, family and students’ on the marker says it so well.”
Andy recalled that one year ago on Sept. 9, Jennifer was at Northeast Georgia Medical Center fighting to get better. “We and so many of you were praying for her healing and this community came together as it always does with an incredible outpouring of support and love. We can never thank you enough for that.”
Andy explained that Jennifer was a strong believer in her faith in God, loving one another and serving both.”She would tell you the things that really matter are bigger than her — they are bigger than all of us,” he said. “Long after this memorial and all of us are gone, those things that mattered to Jennifer will still be here and will still be what matters.”