1938
Ola
2025
Ola Gibson
March 10, 1938 — July 20, 2025
Ola Marie (Burkhalter) Gibson, age 87, of Chillicothe, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, surrounded by her loving caretakers at Carriage Court of Washington Court House.
Ola was born in Gordo, Alabama, to Wilbern and Gertrude (Jones) Burkhalter. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Eric Gibson; her parents; her step-mother, Eula Burkhalter; and her brother, Mallory Burkhalter.
She is survived by her son, Craig Gibson; her brother, Wayne Burkhalter; her sister, Connie Burkhalter; several nieces and nephews; and many cherished church friends and extended family.
Though Ola's immediate family was far away, she found family in the Salyers', with whom she shared over 50 Christmases and countless holidays and special occasions. Michon, the only girl among both families, formed an especially close bond with Ola and lovingly cared for her from 2019 until her passing.
Ola grew up in Alabama and remained a proud and passionate Alabama Crimson Tide fan throughout her life—a fact well known (and often playfully challenged!) by her fellow residents at Carriage Court.
A woman of deep faith, Ola was a longtime member of United Freewill Baptist Church, formerly New Hope Freewill Baptist and First Freewill Baptist. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, touching the lives of countless children and families. In her younger days, she organized church plays, prepared snacks, and oversaw crafts for events. She also sang for years in a gospel group affectionately known as "The Trio." Her love for the Lord shone brightly in all that she did.
Professionally, Ola worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., following her graduation. She later settled in Chillicothe, where she was employed at The Heat Shop, Glad Tidings Book Store, and finally at JCPenney. She also volunteered faithfully at Good Samaritan, helping feed the hungry and care for those in need.
Ola loved her roots and traveled back to Alabama as often as she could—until her health no longer allowed it. Her warmth, kindness, and unmistakable Southern drawl made everyone feel at home. Whether you were stopping by for a chat or settling in for old Westerns and belly laughs, you were always welcome in Ola's world. She loved deeply and selflessly, even when life handed her painful challenges. Through it all, she remained gracious, faithful, and full of gratitude.
A private burial will take place at a later date at the cemetery where her beloved son, Eric, is laid to rest.
In accordance with Ola's wishes, no public funeral service will be held. Her life will be honored privately by those who knew and loved her. If you would like to make a contribution in her memory, donations can be made to United Freewill Baptist Church, PO Box 2039, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible caregivers at Carriage Court in Washington Court House—especially Bridget, Hannah, Heather, and Sonia—for the compassion, dignity, and freedom you gave Ola in her final years. Your love meant the world.
Ola was born in Gordo, Alabama, to Wilbern and Gertrude (Jones) Burkhalter. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Eric Gibson; her parents; her step-mother, Eula Burkhalter; and her brother, Mallory Burkhalter.
She is survived by her son, Craig Gibson; her brother, Wayne Burkhalter; her sister, Connie Burkhalter; several nieces and nephews; and many cherished church friends and extended family.
Though Ola's immediate family was far away, she found family in the Salyers', with whom she shared over 50 Christmases and countless holidays and special occasions. Michon, the only girl among both families, formed an especially close bond with Ola and lovingly cared for her from 2019 until her passing.
Ola grew up in Alabama and remained a proud and passionate Alabama Crimson Tide fan throughout her life—a fact well known (and often playfully challenged!) by her fellow residents at Carriage Court.
A woman of deep faith, Ola was a longtime member of United Freewill Baptist Church, formerly New Hope Freewill Baptist and First Freewill Baptist. She served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, touching the lives of countless children and families. In her younger days, she organized church plays, prepared snacks, and oversaw crafts for events. She also sang for years in a gospel group affectionately known as "The Trio." Her love for the Lord shone brightly in all that she did.
Professionally, Ola worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C., following her graduation. She later settled in Chillicothe, where she was employed at The Heat Shop, Glad Tidings Book Store, and finally at JCPenney. She also volunteered faithfully at Good Samaritan, helping feed the hungry and care for those in need.
Ola loved her roots and traveled back to Alabama as often as she could—until her health no longer allowed it. Her warmth, kindness, and unmistakable Southern drawl made everyone feel at home. Whether you were stopping by for a chat or settling in for old Westerns and belly laughs, you were always welcome in Ola's world. She loved deeply and selflessly, even when life handed her painful challenges. Through it all, she remained gracious, faithful, and full of gratitude.
A private burial will take place at a later date at the cemetery where her beloved son, Eric, is laid to rest.
In accordance with Ola's wishes, no public funeral service will be held. Her life will be honored privately by those who knew and loved her. If you would like to make a contribution in her memory, donations can be made to United Freewill Baptist Church, PO Box 2039, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible caregivers at Carriage Court in Washington Court House—especially Bridget, Hannah, Heather, and Sonia—for the compassion, dignity, and freedom you gave Ola in her final years. Your love meant the world.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ola Gibson, please visit our flower store.
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