Husband/Wife Team Honored
With Earth Angel Award

Kay and Lurlene Gibbs (center) receive Earth Angel award from the Arab B-Team Angels                                                              Photo by Dwight Hayes

March 10, 2008
Kay and Lurlene Gibbs are the definition of a dynamic duo according to Betty Henson.  Henson recounted many of their qualities, kindnesses and community work in a letter of nomination for the Arab B-Team Angels Earth Angel award.  Henson read the letter during a surprise, awards ceremony at the monthly Marshall County AARP meeting.  More than 100  AARP members and several members of the Gibbs family were on hand.

Surprise and disbelief were replaced with tears as B-Team Angel founder Paula Joslin made the announcement during the B-Team Angel program for the AARP group.  While the program was authentic, it was the perfect cover for the B-Team Angels to setup the award without drawing suspicion

Although retired from their careers of more than 30 years as teachers, Kay and Lurlene continue to be active in their church and community according to Henson.  Henson told the AARP group that she and her husband were quickly befriended by the Gibbs' shortly after moving to Arab.  During the seven years of their friendship, Henson said she is continually amazed by the impact of their lives on all those with whom they come in contact.  "I often wonder where they get the time and energy for all that they do." Henson said.

Henson said their contributions as members of Gilliam Spring Baptist Church have touched the lives of many.  Both have served as Sunday school teachers and currently volunteer as English teachers in the church's Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) ministry to the Spanish speaking members of the community.  Kay Gibbs has served as a deacon for close to 40 years according to Henson and is a member of the Benevolence Committee where he often digs deeply into his own pockets to help those with a special need.

Betty Henson reads the letter that she wrote to nominate Kay and Lurlene Gibbs for the Earth Angel award.  Several members of the Gibbs family were on hand for the award.

Nomination Letter Text:

I first met Lurlene and Kay Gibbs at church about seven years ago. Joe and I were new in town and didn't know anyone at the church. Lurlene and Kay greeted us with open arms and hearts, invited us into their Sunday school class, included us in their church activities , and invited us on trips. We soon felt right at home thanks to the caring spirit of these two people. When Joe had major surgery, they were there and brought a meal to our home. When I was in the hospital for a short stay - I do not know how they even knew I was there - but they came.

They soon invited us to an AARP meeting where we met many more people who became our friends. They invited us on many more trips where we enjoyed traveling and beautiful scenery by day and playing Rook at night. Kay always had an interesting story to tell and Lurlene kept us laughing with her funny experiences. These are just some very personal reasons why I think that Lurlene and Kay should receive the Earth Angel award.

Kay and Lurlene were both teachers for about 30 years and who knows what impact they had on the students who passed through their classrooms. We have been dining with them in restaurants many times and it was not at all unusual for one of their former students to come by our table to say hello and thank them for the values instilled in them over the years. As very active members of AEA, they continually lobbied for better benefits for Alabama educators. On at least one occasion Lurlene traveled to Montgomery to speak before the legislators on behalf of classroom teachers. After they retired, they both continued to be very active in the Marshall County Retired Teachers Association.

As for their family, they have raised a son and two daughters, making sure they received a good education, teaching them right from wrong, instilling in them the values and teaching them the skills to become successful adults. They are very proud of their children - one daughter is a teacher and one a nurse practitioner and a son who is in computers. With all the other activities they are involved in, they are always available when needed to help out with their grandchildren.

After Kay's father passed away a few years ago, they immediately became involved in caring for his mother - making her home more comfortable, helping with gardening and lawn care, driving her to doctor's appointments, buying groceries and always bringing her to church. I often wonder where they get the time and energy for all that they do.

Kay has served his church as deacon for about 40 years, adult Sunday school teacher and is currently a member of the Benevolent Committee. He has, through the church, helped many families who are in need financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I personally know of circumstances where he has dug deeply into his own pocket and given freely of his time to help families in need.

Lurlene has also taught Sunday school and they both currently volunteer their time every Tuesday evening to teach English to Spanish speaking people. They are always helping when we have special events at church. If there is a meal involved, they bring food, help set up and stay until everything is cleaned up afterwards.

Kay served as program coordinator and President of AARP, and Lurlene serves as Secretary. Again, they are both always there to help with whatever is needed to make our Chapter the success that it is. Every August, when we hae our annual picnic, Kay and his brother, Kent, prepare the delicious barbecue. They come early and stay late to make sure everything is set up for our enjoyment. Kay also arranges for the special guests we have had at the picnic.

Kay and Lurlene have also been active in civic affairs of their local community of Arab where Kay served as faculty sponsor of Junior Civitans for many years, Many people have been recognized and honored for their accomplishments because Kay cared enough and took the time to research and write a recommendation. As a matter of fact, there are several people in the local AARP chapter who have been honored because of Kay.

So, I believe that it is about time that we set aside a time to honor this very deserving couple for all they do for friends, family, church, and community.

Kay and Lurlene Gibbs are truly - Earth Angels.