ENGELHARD – Jesse Roger Gibbs Sr., a beloved Hyde County native remembered for his warm smile, tireless work ethic, and devotion to his community, passed away peacefully at his Engelhard home on September 2, 2025. He was 86.

A smiling elderly man wearing glasses and a blue checkered shirt stands in a store, with shelves and a display case visible in the background.

Born to the late Edward and Hilda Midgette Gibbs, Jesse spent his life in service to others, first through his work with Eastern Fuels, delivering fuel and kerosene to farmers and families across Hyde County, and later at W.H. Cox Service Station, known locally as Bill Harvey’s store.

In 1991, Jesse and his wife began managing the store, and by 1997 they purchased it, renaming it Gibbs Enterprise—though nearly everyone knew it simply as “Jesse’s.” For more than two decades, the shop became a fixture of daily life in Engelhard, famous for its hoop cheese, hand-dipped ice cream, and the generosity of its owner, who was known to slip children a free cone.

Promotional graphic for Gibbs Convenience Store and Service Station in Engelhard, NC, featuring a spring special for $10 off oil changes, with contact information and location details.

Jesse was often at the store by 3 a.m., ready with supplies for fishermen before sunrise and hot coffee for locals gathering around the old wooden spool in the back to trade the latest Hyde County news. When not behind the counter, he could be found at yard sales, rarely leaving without a purchase, needed or not.

Beyond business, Jesse served for many years with the Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the former Middleton Christian Church.

Friends and neighbors say Jesse’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Engelhard life—a man whose kindness, work, and laughter brought people together.

A graveside service was held at Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Fulford Cemetery with Michael Lee Gibbs officiating.

William Carroll “WC” Copeland, Jr.

COLERAIN, NC – William Carroll “W.C.” Copeland, Jr., a devoted servant of the Lord and beloved member of his family and community, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 4, 2025, in Colerain, North Carolina, after a lengthy illness.

Barbara Ann Tatem “Wilbur” Hollowell

Barbara Ann Tatem “Wilbur” Hollowell, 70, of Edenton, NC passed away peacefully with her daughter and family by her side on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.