UNION — Mrs. Elizabeth “Lib” Kirby Gist, formerly of 253 Lakeside Drive, Union, gave up her earthly struggle and was lifted into the arms of her Lord on Nov. 8, 2012.

Mrs. Gist was born in Union County, Sept. 22, 1930, the loving daughter of the late Lee Tate Kirby, whom she cared for in her home until his death, and the late Mary Cathren Kirby. She was a lifelong member of Unity United Methodist Church. Mrs. Gist was a beautiful Christian lady who chose as her ministry her talent and love of cooking for the needy, bereaved and sick. Her generosity to others was beyond measure.

Mrs. Gist is survived by a loving, faithful and special friend of many years, Freddie McAbee of Union; two sisters, Mary McMakin of Augusta, GA and Carolyn Matthews and husband Gene of Union; one brother, Harold Kirby and wife Grace of Columbia. Also, four nieces and two nephews whom she loved as her own children, Kathy Giles and husband Winston of Irmo, Linda Fidler and husband David of Lexington, Deana Gregory of Greenville, Kelley Blackston and husband Jason of Beaufort, Dennis McMakin of Atlanta, GA and David Matthews of Greenville.

She was predeceased by her husband, Haye Fant Gist; and a brother-in-law, Col. (Ret.) James McMakin.

Funeral services will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 at Unity United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Bob Allen and Rev. John Cribb. Burial will be in Union Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. prior to the services at the church Sunday.

Active pallbearers will be Mickey Cranford, Jim Russell, George Lancaster, Chris Stewart, Marion Stewart, Roy Youngblood, Danny Gossett and Marion McAbee.

The following are asked to sit in a group: Ruby and Bill Howell, Dr. David Keith, Dr. Robert Hope, Mrs. Monte Lancaster, staff and friends from Oakmont Assisted Living, staff and Friends from Oakmont Rehabilitation Center, and staff and friends from Family Practice Associates.

The family would like to thank the staff, nurses, therapists, and everyone at Oakmont that cared for Mrs. Gist, in whatever capacity, for their caring and dignified service: especially Nikki Loyd, Will Brooks, Brandi Humphries, Sandi Waldrop and Jessica Greene.

Also to the nurses and staff of Family Practice Associates for their loving care over the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Unity United Methodist Church, 206 Hart St., Union, S.C. 29379.

The family will be at the home of her sister: Carolyn and Gene Matthews, 189 Fairway Drive, Union.

“The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” — 2 Corinthian 4:18

The S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc.

(www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)