Gretchen Manternach Gibson, 87, affectionately known as Gret, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Decembrer 28, 2025. A resident of Mooresville, N.C., Gret previously spent many wonderful years in New Bern, N.C., following a dedicated teaching career in Michigan.

Born and raised in Warren, Ohio, Gret spent her youth embracing life at the Chautauqua Institution, where she worked alongside her sister and dear friends. Her lifelong passion for the arts and water sports took root during those summers on the lake.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, she met her soulmate, William T. “Bill” Gibson, in Cleveland. Together, they moved to Michigan to raise their family. Upon retirement, Gret and Bill moved to New Bern, where they enjoyed sailing the Neuse River and served as active members of Christ Episcopal Church.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; her parents, Alvin Stuart and Martha Herlinger Manternach; and her brother-in-law, David Gordon. She is survived by her sister, Kay Gordon; her children, John (Cathy) Gibson, Bill (Marti) Gibson, and Elizabeth (Charles) Richey; and eight cherished grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on January 23, 2026, at Christ Church, 320 Pollock Street, New Bern, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Chautauqua Institution, P.O. Box 28, One Ames Ave., Chautauqua NY 14722 (advancement@chq.org) or Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Gibson family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.