Madelyn Dora Autrey Gibbs, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on White Oak Creek on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 80.
Born on January 23, 1945, Madelyn was the daughter of the late Ramon and Annie Shuford Autrey. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John L. Gibbs Jr.; her daughter, Janie Gibbs; her sister, Joan Chrisawn; and her brothers: Roger and Terrell Autrey. Madelyn is survived by her identical twin sister, Carolyn Hughes; her sister, Sheila Wolfe; her daughter, Katherine Gibbs Austin (Mark); and her grandchildren: Nathan (Maggie), Andrew, Kegan and Brynlea.
Madelyn was a woman of many talents. She was a skilled cook, known for preparing delicious meals for her friends and family. She owned and operated Madelyn’s Dairy Bar and Grill, a local favorite, on South Toe River. In addition, Madelyn was a gifted singer. As a child, she and her twin sister, Carolyn, had the honor of singing at the Grand Ole Opry. Madelyn was a member of South Estatoe Baptist Church. Above all, her love for her family was central, and she cherished the time spent with her loved ones.
A service to celebrate Madelyn’s life will be held at South Estatoe Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The family will be receiving friends at 1:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow the service in the South Estatoe Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Autrey will be officiating. The family invites all those who wish to honor her memory to attend.
The family would like to give special thanks to Compassionate Care of WNC for their kind and loving care of Madelyn in her last days.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Gibbs family,
Online condolences may be made at holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
