Fred & Judy Gibbs

Judy and Fred Gibbs are both Canton, OH natives. Judy graduated from Ohio University, College of Communication with a journalism degree and PR major. Over the years she taught middle school, GED classes (a joy), and edited a community magazine. She worked as a newspaper reporter and news director for two colleges. In addition, she did editing work for several organizations including the American Society of Metals, whose office was housed under Buckminster Fuller’s largest geodesic dome. Prepped by early participation in Junior Achievement, she later found her way into the retail world as the promotion director of a four-acre retail furniture store. Being the co-owner of a stationery store in Cleveland paved the way for a gift, gourmet and stationery shop in Ashland, Ohio where she and Fred lived (twice) for 19 years.

Fred spent childhood summers on the family farm near Canton where he learned to ride horseback, swim in the farm lake, milk cows, drive a team of draft horses, load a hay wagon and grow a vegetable garden. An avid skeet shooter in his youth, he was the 1953 Junior Skeet Champion of Ohio. Fred received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of William & Mary in 1958, and for the next four years attended Princeton Theological Seminary, earning both a Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology degree. During the academic year 1962-63, he pursued additional graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. As an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he served pastorates in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. On retiring from fulltime ministry, he taught philosophy courses at the college level.

Fred and Judy retired to Williamsburg for 13 years where their lives centered around Bruton Parish Church where Fred hosted the evening concerts, provided for the enjoyment of members and tourists alike, and Judy served as a lay Eucharistic minister and editor of the church’s cookbook.  Fred also worked for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as a costumed interpreter and served as a member of the College of William & Mary alumni chapter board.

After an absence of 45 years, Judy and Fred returned to Canton where Fred served on the board of the Canton Symphony, the vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and the board of the Wagner Society of Ohio.  Judy continued her Garden Club activities and was a member of the Women’s Board at Aultman Hospital.

As an only child and only grandchild, Judy learned early the importance of friends and recognizes how their lives have been enriched by making new friends in the places they have lived, worked and raised their family. A lifetime dog lover and owner, Judy looks forward to meeting some fur babies at WC. Along with family, her interests have included sewing, entertaining and decorating.

Judy and Fred have been married for 62 years. Their family includes three sons: Frederick (Tricia) of Bedford, NH; Joshua (Kristin) of Chagrin Falls, OH; and Peter, a physician in Lynchburg. In addition, they have eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.