Gloria “Mamie” Gibbs (left) receiving a token of appreciation from Island Councilman Clyde van Putten during the Emancipation Day celebrations on July 1.
ST. EUSTATIUS–Gloria “Mamie” Gibbs celebrated her 93rd birthday on Monday, July 24. On Emancipation Day, July 1, she was honoured by Island Councilman Clyde van Putten on behalf of the St. Eustatius Island Government for her years of service to the island. During the celebrations, Gibbs was presented with a small token of appreciation.
Gibbs, who was born on Statia, resides in the heart of the northern area on the island. Many persons have been known to stop by, sit on her wall and chat with her during the course of the day.
Gibbs is known as one of Statia’s finest seamstresses. She made various women’s clothing, be it for school, work, formal, or at home. The craftsmanship of Gibbs’ clothing was so intricate and professional, that persons on the island are still wearing her clothing to this day.
Gibbs said she did not attend any professional classes to attain the art of sewing. She just attained the skill in her craft by observing the talented Miss Gussy Dorsett and Miss Fabio, whom she resided with back in the day. Watching them, she said, helped her learn the trade when she started sewing in her early 20s.
Gibbs has been sewing clothing for 60 or more years. She continued sewing until she encountered issues with her sight, which made her decide to stop sewing clothing, which was about six years ago.
Gibbs has daughters, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all adore her and visiting her daily. She is the mother of Kenneth Don Mitchell, aka “Skell” of Super Burger, and of Russell Gibbs of Opa’s Snack in Golden Rock.
Many persons on the island extended their birthday wishes to “Mamie.” Her daughter travelled to Statia all the way from the Netherlands to be here for the occasion.
Councilman Van Putten shared a fond memory of when Miss Gibbs and he both lived on the north side of the island. He said many times in his childhood he had sought refuge beneath her foot-sewing machine to avoid being spanked.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/67943-ninety-three-year-old-gloria-gibbs-honoured
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