Gaynell Gibson Fitch, 64, of Jacksonville, N.C., passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, at Onslow Memorial Hospital.

A lifetime 4-H volunteer in North Carolina and Virginia, she was an honored member of the North Carolina 4-H Volunteer Hall of fame and a Virginia 4-H All Star.

Born in Charlottesville, Va., she was an alumna of Lane and Albemarle High School and Madison College and completed licensed practical nurse training at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville.

An accomplished seamstress, she dedicated her life to others as a mother, wife, mentor, public speaking coach and community servant. She was a member of the Regal Manor Homemakers, volunteer leader of the Punkin' Patches 4-H Club and a leader with the North Carolina 4-H Performing Arts Troupe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. Gibson Sr. and Edith Batten Gibson of Charlottesville and her beloved companion, "Bitsy".

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, James H. Fitch Jr.; her children, Tracy S. Fitch and Tovi Lynn Fitch Martin, both of Charlotte, N.C.; her brother, J.W. Gibson Jr. of Charlottesville; son-in-law, Kevin D. Martin; sister-in-law, Susan Behrendt Gibson; nephew, Lee Chandler Gibson; nieces, Janet L. Fitch and Julie A. Fitch and countless "nonbiological children" who called her "Mom" over more than 40 years of service.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2005 at Johnson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, N.C.

Participants are invited to bring photos to contribute to a memory board at the service.

A visitation time will follow with private committal ceremonies at Coastal Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery on Highway 24.

The family will also receive visitors after 6 p.m., this evening and again following the service at the family home, 3000 Country Club Road in Jacksonville.

Contributions can be made in her memory to the Gaynell G. Fitch, 4-H Memorial Fund, c/o N.C. 4-H Development Fund, Box 7645, NCSU, Raleigh, N.C. 276957645