Natalie (Robelot) Gibson

Natalie Robelot Gibson, 73, of Greenville, South Carolina was welcomed into Heaven on December 13, 2020. Throughout her life, Natalie chose JOY every day and walked faithfully with Christ.

Natalie was a beloved daughter of the late Thomas Henry and Dorothy Anderson Robelot. A native of Greenville, she attended Greenville County Schools and graduated from Wade Hampton High in 1965. She finished Columbia College with a degree in Education in 1969, then earned her master’s degree in Special Education from the University of South Carolina. She taught Special Education in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville public schools for several years before starting her family.

In 1970, she married the love of her life, Gordon Gibson. They have three sons; Hunter and his wife, Amy of Greenville; Tyler and his wife, Kelly, and Ryan and his wife, Emily, all of Charlotte. Natalie’s five grandchildren were her delight, Reagan and Henry Gibson of Greenville, Grey and Bo Gibson, and Trace Gibson, all of Charlotte.

Natalie is also survived by two brothers, Tom Robelot, Jr. and his wife, Irmgard, and Paul Robelot and his wife, Missy; sister, Jane Robelot DeCarvalho and her husband, Mario; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Gibson of Houston, TX. Natalie has twelve nieces and nephews to whom she was so dear, five great-nieces and nephews, as well as many beloved cousins.

Natalie poured her love on her community as well as her family and dear friends. When her sons were young, she was actively involved in helping at their schools. She always served diligently in her church, Buncombe Street United Methodist. She was a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class, the Nan Ivester Circle and held many different positions in the church over the years. She was also a member of the “The Pearls” and “Above All Ministries” Bible Studies. Natalie was active in the DAR and a Charter Member of Greenville Women Giving. The “Serious Bridge Club” and “Serious Fun Club” were delightful groups that she cherished.

Natalie loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures with her family. One of her most beloved destinations was local, Mt. Lake Colony in Cleveland, SC where many memories were created. The chorus of frogs each evening delighted Natalie. Later, when Natalie was beginning her journey through cancer, FROGS became the symbol of “Fully Relying on God.”

The family wishes to acknowledge the amazing medical care and encouragement of Doctors Larry Puls, Suzanne Fanning and Robert Rainer, as well as the many medical professionals at every level within Prisma Health and The Blood Connection who were so vital in carrying her through her cancer journey. Their care along with the prayers of friends and loved ones gave Natalie added years to celebrate many milestones including the marriage of her youngest son, the birth of her fifth grandchild, and the celebration of her 50th wedding anniversary. Natalie and Gordon had been the dearest of friends long before they married. Gordon describes his wife and best friend as “a completely selfless person with Greenville’s sweetest smile and warmest heart.”

Natalie’s deepest love and lifelong pursuit was in following Christ. She was a “joy builder”, and this was her prayer; “Help us Lord to see joy in all things and remember to praise you for bringing good out of everything. Keep us from rejecting this gift when sorrow comes. Let us live every moment of life for you – by choosing JOY.”

A public viewing will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church. Guests attending in person must register at www.BuncombeStreetumc.org/FUNERALS/ and are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. The service will also be live streamed at buncombestreetumc.org. The interment ceremony will be private.

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, gifts may be sent in Natalie’s memory to Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, Crisis Ministry, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC 29601 or Dr. Larry Puls Ovarian Cancer Research at Prisma Health, 300 E. McBee Avenue, Suite 503, Greenville, SC 29601.

Online Condolences: Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes

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