Jean was born Galesburg, Illinois in the early 1940's, the second daughter for Leslie and Lorraine Gibbs a livestock broker and school teacher. She remained there until she graduated high school when she moved to nearby Iowa to attend Drake University. She earned her associates degree and soon moved Eastward to Cleveland, Ohio where she took her first job in the travel industry with United Airlines. It wasn't long before she married, settled down and put her career on pause to start a family. Jean gave birth to a son, Jeff, in 1969 and a daughter, Julie, two years later. After divorcing in the early 1980's, Jean and her two children moved to Baltimore where her sister Patricia resided. Jean took a job with Travel Destinations Management Group and worked there until her death. She was a staple in the office and is thought of fondly and missed by all those who had the pleasure of working with her.

As a single parent raising two children, Jean sacrificed much of her own wants and desires to raise her children. Her children are her greatest achievement. Jeff graduated valedictorian of his high school class and continued to Case Western Reserve University where he obtained his bachelors and masters in computer engineering. Jean's daughter Julie also graduated top of her class and pursued higher education. She earned her bachelors in accounting from Towson State and a masters in business administration from the University of Baltimore. Jean could not have been more proud of her two children and they couldn't be more grateful to have had her as their mom. Jeff and Julie agree that their mom was one of a kind that they were truly blessed to have had, even if for too short a time. Jean enjoyed playing bridge and participating in walking events, and spending time with her friends.

Jean Gibbs was an active member of the Piedmont Pacers Volkssporting Club since her first volkswalk in 1997, always willing to volunteer and serve at the numerous sanctioned events our club has sponsored. When no one volunteered to serve as President of the club for 2002, Jean volunteered to fill that role even though no Vice-President could be found. Jean accepted the responsibility as President for two more terms. Jean also served as the club representative to Maryland State Association during her term as President and was elected to serve as Secretary to the Maryland State Association. Jean was an enthusiastic active supporter and promoter of volkssporting for our club and her enthusiasm was contagious. After stepping down from her primary responsibilities as President of the Piedmont Pacers, she volunteered to do our bi-monthly club newsletter, and prepare brochures for our upcoming events. Jean was an active contributing participant at our club meetings and a willing volunteer at club sponsored events often working the whole day to assist the Piedmont Pacers Volksmarch Club in carrying out its mission to promote volkssporting in Maryland. Most of all she was a cherished friend.