Leobelle Bradley Gibson (Mother, Granny, Mrs. Leo), 100, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2006 at Britthaven Nursing Home of Franklin.

She was born July 20, 1906 in Macon County to the late Everette and Beulah Bradley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William Frank Gibson; her son, Billy Joseph Gibson; and seven brothers and sisters. Mrs. Leo is survived by her three daughters, Frankabelle (Jimmy, deceased) Scruggs of Franklin; Luanne (Bill) Teague of Greenville, SC; and Suzy (Bill) Lorentz of Winston Salem, NC. Granny is also survived by nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great -great grandchildren. She has two surviving sisters, Annie Byrd Cook of Winston Salem, NC and Eva Nell Parrish of Franklin; one brother, Ralph Bradley of Franklin and many nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Leo was always very active in her church and community. She taught Sunday School at Cowee Baptist for many years. She served as President and was a very active member of the WMU (Women's Missionary Union). Mrs. Leo was a leader of the Girl's Auxiliary and the SunBeams. She served as President of the Cowee Community Development and the Home Demonstration organizations. Granny loved family reunions and homecomings. In her later years, she loved being recognized as the oldest member of whatever she was attending! Granny lived to be the oldest member of Cowee Baptist Church and was the first to reach 100 years. She was also the oldest patient at Britthaven at the time of her death.

When she was healthy Granny loved cooking, gardening, sewing and crocheting. She was always willing to teach anyone who desired to learn. She will be remembered for her spunk in her later years....as she entertained family and friends at the nursing home with her quick wit and sweet smile.

As her health declined, and while she was in the nursing home her life was made much richer by the wonderful care and attention given to her by her family and many friends, especially a special grandson, Hugh Scruggs and great-granddaughter, Jessica Scruggs.

The Funeral Services will be conducted at Cowee Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 29. Rev. Lloyd Fish and Rev. Charles Stevens will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Sunday, at the church prior to the service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cowee Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Kaye Rickman, 240 Golf View Drive, Franklin, NC 28734 or Cowee Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 1309 Ruby Mine Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.