Jennifer Gibson-Brown

Jennifer Ryan Gibson-Brown, 48, of Sissonville, gained her heavenly wings on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospital after a hard-fought battle with an aggressive cancer.

She was a devoted wife to the late Samuel Lee Brown. She was also preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Herbert and Wanda Dunlap, paternal grandparents, Harold and Margaret Gibson, as well as an aunt, Rejohnna Carter.

Jennifer was born July 28, 1977, in Ripley, WV, to her loving mother, Janet Gibson (Dunlap), and the late Harold "Hank" Gibson, Jr. Although she entered this world with spina bifida, she did not allow her disability to limit her.

During her 48 years, she was brave and bold in a world where little was known about Spina Bifida. As a 1995 graduate of Ripley High School, she pioneered the way so that kids following her could have an equal and adaptable experience in the school system. Growing up, Jennifer volunteered her time at Jackson General Hospital as a candy striper. She also participated in the Special Olympics. She faithfully attended Spina Bifida Camp, where lifelong friendships were made. She would go on to host a successful cancer fundraiser, make it on the CAMC rehabilitation wall of fame, and attend the state wheelchair Olympics, where she placed in shot put. She later loved attending writers’ streams and was working on writing her very own book. She also loved her nephews deeply; they became her whole world after being widowed.

Jennifer was the epitome of sacrificial love. Always a calm in the storm. Regardless of what she was facing, she would put others first. A true child of God with unwavering faith. She would advocate for those who couldn't advocate for themselves. Jennifer was a bright light in an all too often dim world.

Left to keep shining bright is her loving mother, Janet Pancake, and stepdad Curtis Pancake, of Fairplain; sister, Virginia Becker(Daryl) of Crestwood, KY; nephews, whom she will now watch over: may her light shine through them, Gavin, Maximus, and Gunner Becker, all of Crestwood, KY.; aunts Jill Canter(Bill) of Ripley; Angela Frame(Jay) of Teays Valley, Becky Beem of Indiana; uncles Herbert Dunlap(Janice) of St. Albans, and Jim Dunlap(Cheryl) of Ripley. She was also blessed with numerous loving cousins and friends who became family.

To have known Jennifer was to know love in its purest form: without hesitation and judgment. The family invites you to celebrate and cherish the life of Jennifer Gibson-Brown at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, WV.

Visitation will be Friday, August 29, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Funeral will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Burial immediately following in Fairplain Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mountaineer Spina Bifida Camp. Send to: 1814 Centerville Road, Prichard, WV, 25555.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com