Edythe Lorraine Gibbs, 82, of Edison, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2011 at JFK Medical Center, Edison.

She was a life-long member of St. James AME Zion Church, Perth Amboy, where her parents were among the founders.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a service in celebration of her life on Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at St. James AME Zion Church, 68 Commerce St, Perth Amboy. Interment is in Alpine Cemetery, Perth Amboy. Visitation is from 9 – 11 a.m. at the church.

Ms. Gibbs graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1945 as a member of the National Honor Society. She continued her education at New York University and graduated with a B.A. degree in 1950.

Her professional career was in the area of social services and her professional skills were rewarded as she assumed various supervisory positions. After 35 years of service, she retired in 1991 from the State of NJ Department of Disability Determinations.

She was involved in many ministries and held a variety of leadership positions at her church. Lorraine was also active in the community and for more than 60 years, she was a member of the NAACP. She was honored by the Sons and Daughters of Anguilla and was a member of The Reliables. She served on the Board of Directors for Kiddie Keepwell Camp in Edison, sang in The Vocalizers, a community choir, and volunteered with The Alliance for the Disabled in Action and the JFK Medical Center Women's Auxiliary.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Edith Gibbs; her sisters: Lydia M. Gumbs, Elsie F. Gibbs, and Lucille E. Ford. She leaves to cherish her memory devoted nephews: J. Alan Gumbs and his wife Lisa, Clyde E. Gumbs, Duane C. Gumbs and his wife Carol, Edward L. Ford, Jr. and his wife Gayle; nieces Una C. Gumbs, Judy L. Ford and Jan Ford Chisholm and her husband Lester; many great nieces and nephews; 1 great grand nephew; and other family and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 424 East Ave., Perth Amboy, NJ.