Mary Janet Gibbs

Mary Janet Gibbs, age 81, passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023. Janet was born March 6, 1942, in Hickory Corners, Michigan, the daughter of Roy Shelton Willis and Marvel Elizabeth (Campbell) Willis and has resided in Battle Creek most of her life.  Janet graduated from Lakeview High School in 1960.  She was an elementary special education teacher for 25.5 years beginning her career at the Athens School District and spent most of her years at the Delton Kellogg Schools.  Janet loved spending time with her children, grandchildren (who affectionately called her Grams) and great grandchildren.  She enjoyed taking care of her flowers and feeding the birds while watching deer roam through her backyard.  Janet had many pets throughout her life, but mostly cherished having a cat by her side keeping her company.  Janet devoted a lot of time creating scrapbooks to capture and preserve the special events, activities and achievements of her children and grandchildren.  Going to the casino and hitting the buttons in hopes of winning the big jackpot was one of her favorite pastimes.  Janet had a special gift of entertaining her friends.  If you saw a group of people, Janet would be in the center leading the conversation.  With her spunky spirit and generous heart, she touched many lives and will never be forgotten. 

Janet married Alan Gibbs on January 25, 1963.  Their marriage ended in divorce.  They raised 3 children, Michael (deceased) (Shari) Gibbs of Battle Creek and their children Brandi Gibbs of Battle Creek, James (Patti) Gibbs of Battle Creek and their children Landon, Ryder, Charlee and Michael.

Mark (Lisa) Gibbs of Battle Creek and their children Lindsey (Nate) Schrauben of Hamilton and their children Jacqueline, Vera, and Otto (who will arrive in February) and Allie (Nick) Gesink of Athens and their children Beau and Emmett.

Sheryl Leaver of St. Clair and her children Tara (Kyle) McAlpine of Kentwood and their children Lucy and Henry, and Maddie Leaver of Ann Arbor, and Peyton Leaver of Kalamazoo.

Also surviving Janet are her sister Teri (Jim) Enrietti, niece Desiree (Eric) Griffin, special step granddaughter Jessica Gonzalez and dear friend Rod Kasdorf.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gordon Willis.

The family would like to thank the Brookdale Assisted Living residents and staff where she made many good friends and was treated so well by all; Careline Hospice for their loving care of our mom/Grams.  Donations may be made to Froggie’s Pond (Sanctuary for stray and unwanted cats that have feline leukemia or feline aids)  at Turner Veterinary Vet Clinic, 3070 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49037.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Riverside Golf Club and Banquet Center December 3, 2023 from 12 – 3 p.m. where Janet has requested you dress casual (jeans preferred or bib overalls). A few words will be spoken about Janet at 12:45 p.m. with lunch to follow. www.henryfuneralhome.org