Remembering Yolanda Gibbs: Vigil Brings Joyful Memories and Heartfelt Tributes

Fort Worth, Texas – Yolanda Gibbs, a 56-year-old cafeteria worker tragically lost outside Forest Hill’s elementary school before the start of classes on October 11, was honored at a vigil last Thursday evening. Friends and family fondly remembered her as a joyful individual who consistently sought to brighten others’ days.

The vigil saw a turnout of approximately 300 attendees, gathering to exchange memories, discuss her influence on David K. Sellars Elementary and the local community, and to release balloons in pink and blue, her preferred colors.

Forest Hill authorities have identified Gibbs’ assailant as 58-year-old Anthony Harris, whom she was romantically involved with. Harris was discovered deceased on October 13, on a sidewalk in the 1200 block of East Rosedale Street, as per the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s website. The specifics of his death are yet to be disclosed.

The focus of Thursday’s vigil, however, was on celebrating Gibbs’ life, not her untimely death. Attendees reminisced about her positive presence at the school, her unwavering smile, and her efforts to uplift those around her regardless of daily challenges. They recalled her spontaneous gestures, like buying cookies or ice cream for all the students.

In her memory, an ice cream truck visited the school on October 13 to distribute free ice cream to students, echoing Gibbs’ own actions.

Karen Buckley, Gibbs’ friend for over four decades, likened their relationship to that of Laverne and Shirley, with Gibbs being Laverne. Buckley’s children saw Gibbs as their aunt, a sentiment reciprocated by Gibbs’ children towards Buckley.

Buckley praised Gibbs for her exceptional organizational and cleaning skills, and her knack for finding bargains and sales. Gibbs often sought out sales items to gift others, particularly if she knew they needed something.

Buckley encouraged Gibbs’ family, especially her grandchildren, to emulate Gibbs’ approach to life and reactions to different situations. This way, in times of uncertainty, they could seek guidance by considering what Gibbs would do.

Mary Clay, a teacher at Sellars Elementary, shared that despite her brief acquaintance with Gibbs, it was evident that she was perpetually cheerful. Clay remembered Gibbs’ warm welcome when they first met, marked by Gibbs’ inquiry about her name.

“You can call me Miss Lovely,” Clay remembers Gibbs telling her.

From that day on, Clay would tell her students to say hi to “Miss Lovely” whenever they went to lunch.

“She might be gone, but she is not forgotten because she is still alive in you,” Clay told the family.

Eric Paul, a local pastor and friend of Gibbs’ since they were in school together, said Gibbs had a servant’s heart.

“Her legacy is an inheritance she’s left to her family,” Paul said.

Following heartfelt speeches and Paul’s prayer for Gibbs’ family and all who knew her, the crowd released balloons in her favorite hues of pink and blue. Many lingered post-ceremony, engaging in conversations about Gibbs, often leading to shared laughter as they recounted fond memories of her.