Pavelec, Vera Comer Gibson, 93, a Tampa resident since 1956, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Melech Hospice House. She was a strong, active, vigorous woman until shortly before her final illness. Charming gracious, always beautifully dressed and groomed, Vera had a wide circle of friends and a large devoted family. She was the glue that held her family together. She was fun-loving, loved to dance, to laugh, and loved Christmas and Halloween. She was a terrific cook and "hostess-with-the-mostest." She was a member of Hibiscus Garden Club, active till the end. Vera was born in Caldera, Alabama; one of nine children, the last surviving sibling. She learned to work hard at an early age and believed that it was hard work that kept her active and healthy. She became a registered nurse and, shortly thereafter, married Herschel A. Gibson, a US Post Offiice employee. For many years, they lived in Albertville, Alabama, raising three children. Later, the family moved to Tampa. Vera was a primo nurse, working in many capacities, most notably as a much sought after private duty nurse at the peak of her career. She retired to care for Hershel, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease, until his death in 1978. She then became a Parish visitor for Palma Ceia United Methodist Church. In 1984, she married Charles Frank Pavelec, who passed away just last year.

Church and faith were strong components of Vera's life. She was a cradle-Methodist belonging to First United, Palmer Ceia United and finally, Lake Magdalene United Methodist churches. She made many friends in every congregation. Family was everything to Vera. In 1998 she suffered the loss of her youngest son, Sam, in a traffic accident, a loss devastating to the entire family.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. April 26, 2007, at Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, with family visitation preceding at noon. Interment will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Various grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Samuel L. Gipson Scholarship Fund at LaGrange College, 601 Broad Street, LaGrange, Georgia 30240.

The Tampa Tribune
Tampa, FL
26 Apr 2007, pg 23