Henry Samuel Gibbs, 72, of Palatka, responded to the voice of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at North Florida Regional Medical Center, Gainesville. A native of Folkston, Georgia, Henry was the son of Ruben and Henrietta (Little) Gibbs, born on Friday, December 26, 1947. He has been a resident of Putnam County since his early childhood. Henry was educated in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy. Henry was a faithful member and Deacon of the First Born Church of the Living God, where he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He was a retired master welder for 32 years at the former Sheffield Steel Corporation. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. Henry was well-respected and loved by his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his brothers, Ruben Gibbs, Jr., Dewitt Gibbs, and Larry Gibbs, Sr.; sister, Louvenia Offord.

He leaves to cherish his memories: wife of 20 years, Essie Gibbs; step-daughters, Betty Jenkins, Denise Finney, LaTonya Johns, Nicole Finney, Tonija (Anthony) Mitchell, Sonia Hill, Qiana Robinson, Lakesha Wilson; step-son, Chester (April) Wilson; 26 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers, Raymond (Sue) Gibbs, Daniel (Pauline) Gibbs, and James (Connie) Gibbs; sister, Joyce Gibbs; sister-in-law, Roberta Gibbs; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (masks are required), a private family Homegoing Celebration will be held at Flagg's Chapel of Serenity at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 15. The family has requested friends to join them virtually via Facebook live: Flagg Serenity Memorial Chapel. Elder James Matthews, Pastor of Passionate First Born Church of the Living God, is the eulogist Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery, Palatka.