It was warm on August 3rd, 1932, the Cleveland Indians were playing their second season in the state of the art Municipal Park and the city of Cleveland had lost their bid to land the Summer Olympics. Los Angeles thought they were shining bright with the Olympic torch but what the officials didn’t realize was that Cleveland grew much brighter on that warm August day. Georgene Gibson, number six of the Gibson girls -Thelma, Alma, Delores, Azalea and Mildred – made her grand appearance. Her smile was brilliant and the twinkle in her eye always made you wonder what she was up to. Before long Georgene was racing baby brother Raymond home for lunch during school and riding the trolley downtown to May Company (where she later worked in the candy department thwarting rats and mice to keep the sugar cubes clean) and of course playing with dogs, cats, birds. any animal she could find. Georgene loved animals, and had a lifelong love affair with all critters furry, especially Giant Schnauzers. Her high school years reflected her love of art and exceptional ability to charm the local radio talent with her wit. After school, Georgene signed up to fly the skies as a flight attendant, but alas duty called her back home when mother Eller Gibson gave the sad news that father Hubert Gibson had passed. And so it was that Georgene found her way working in an office. Later that year she took a vacation to a dude ranch with girlfriends and had her cowgirl boots knocked off by Donald Sheldon who became her husband of 60+ years. From “I do” June 9, 1956, the whirlwind of family and animals began. Amy, Cliff and Jeanne joined the Sheldons, soon followed by Matt. Not to be outdone, many a dog came through as by now Georgene was not only an experienced mother but dog breeder as well. Several of her dogs were finished champions and to this day their bloodlines carry on keeping the breeds to her high standards. Her love of Giant Schnauzers showed by the many pictures she kept in her purse. When asked who her children were, the dogs came first, then Amy, Cliff, Jeanne and Matt. Time passed and the Sheldon family expanded: Georgene cherished her grandchildren Sharon, Kelly and Sam. She even liked her son-in-law Greg and daughters-in-law Barb and Anvia.
As for the rest of the Gibson girls? They went on to marry, have families and finally move on to join mother Eller and father Hubert in heaven. Baby brother Ray carries on the Gibson name. Georgene, you were a beautiful light. A little earthy, a lot happy, much loved, and much missed. Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA RD. (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON SATURDAY FROM 2 – 4 P.M. Georgene’s funeral services will immediately follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Summit County, 7996 Darrow Road, Suite 30, Twinsburg, OH 44087.
