Mr. Willie Bibbs

s “Pete” Bibbs was one of four children born June 5, 1938 to William and Myrtle Lee Long Bibbs of Sylvester, Georgia.

“Pete” as he was known to all, attended Oak Hill High School of Worth County, Georgia. He interrupted his education and joined the United States Navy as he felt the need to serve his country during the time of war.

In August of 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Lois Fowler Bibbs and they were blessed with four loving children; Marty James, Cynthia, Vernita, and Derron. Pete and Mary Lois were married for sixty years and fifty-one weeks before her passing in August of 2019.

Pete’s parents, wife, son Marty James, and two brothers, Samuel and Leroy Bibbs preceded him in death.

Pete completed three combat tours of duty during the Viet Nam War. The ships he served on was often the topics of his conversation and photos of them were proudly displayed in his home.

After more than twenty years of military service, Pete received an honorable discharge and settled his family in Norfolk, Virginia. It was there that he decided to return to school and worked diligently to receive a high school diploma from Booker T. Washington High School.

After several years of living in Virginia, Pete and Lois returned to Oakfield, Georgia and reunited with the St. James Baptist Church. Pete served faithfully on the Deacon Board, Usher Board, and the finance committee. He loved his church and would often express his love for GOD during service by doing his memorable “worship dance.”

One thing Pete will always be remembered for was his “gift of giving.” No one is quite sure of the number of friends and relatives on his card list, but Pete would send birthday and anniversary cards with inspirational messages and a small monetary gift enclosed to each. It was his way of making the recipients feel special!

Pete leaves to cherish his memories one sister; Willa Mae Sheeko of Averne, NY; two daughters, Cynthia Bibbs of Albany, GA and Vernita Sullivan of Memphis, TN; Derron Edrian Bibbs of Albany, GA; five grandchildren, Charmane (Michael) Leftwich of Virginia Beach, VA; Demetrius Bibbs of Albany, GA; Nicole Bibbs of Atlanta, GA; Cierra Bibbs of Dallas, TX; Derrian Mikale Bibbs of Erie, PA; four great- grandchildren, Mikaden and Carmen Leftwich, Demarri Bibbs and Matthew Mikale Bibbs; five sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law; and thirty-two nieces and nephews