Wanda Yvette Gibbs, a native of Albemarle, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. She was born on October 17, 1951, to the late Mae Helen Davis and Fisher Wall.
Wanda spent her early life in Albemarle, North Carolina, but relocated to New Haven in 1965.
Wanda attended the New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Richard C. Lee High School in 1969. She attended Quinnipiac University, where she majored in Psychology, and New Hampshire College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. She earned a certification in Special Education, a Master of Science Degree from Fairfield University, and a Sixth Year Degree in Administration and Supervision at Southern Connecticut State University. (Click here to read a previous Independent story paying tribute to her life.)
Wanda began her educational career in West Haven, Connecticut, serving as a pre- school toy demonstrator, Assistant Teacher, and Assistant Boys’ Basketball Coach, at West Haven High School. Wanda was the first woman to coach Men’s Basketball in the State of Connecticut. In December of 1986, she accepted a position with the New Haven Board of Education at James Hillhouse High School, where she served as Teacher, Social Development Facilitator, Cheerleading Coach, Administrative Intern, and Assistant Principal. Wanda was appointed Principal of Riverside Education Academy in 1994 and served faithfully in this role until her retirement. While executing this assignment, and under her leadership, Riverside Education Academy, once an alternative school, emerged as a Magnet School of Choice.
Although she retired in June of 2015, she was called back to work serving as Interim Principal of West Rock Stream Academy, Troup Middle School, and Principal on Special Assignment at Wexler-Grant Elementary School in the city of New Haven. Wanda is the humble recipient of three New Haven Board of Education Teacher Administrators Parents & Support Staff Awards (T.A.P.S.), the West Haven Black Coalition Leadership Award, The Elm City Club of Professional Awards, the Connecticut Chapter Community NETwork Award of Excellence, the West Haven Black Coalition Hall of Fame Award, and the Robert H. Salisbury Award for academic excellence, dedication, hard work, and compassion for the youth of New Haven. Wanda was a fearless champion for children and her community.
Wanda has been a faithful member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 40 years. She became a member of the church family on January 9, 1978, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Joseph Whalen, Jr. She was a member of the Board of Stewards, and a former member of the Gospelite Choir under the directorship of the late Vernon Jones. Wanda had a vision and desire to continue her educational accomplishments within Bethel. She was the founder and coordinator of the Annual Educator’s Day. Her commitment and love for children continued through her giving of the Angel Tree Project through the church.
Wanda was predeceased by her mother Mae Helen Davis; her father Fisher Wall; and her beloved aunt, Marie Davis Freeman. She is also predeceased by one sister, Almesha (Bonnie) Krone; and one brother, Ulysses Myrick.
Dedicated to her family, Wanda leaves to cherish her memories, her four children, Dr. Anthony J. Davis (Jacqueline) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Helen Barnes of Timberlake, North Carolina; Tanya Gibb-Scott (Mark); and Walter Gibbs, II of New Haven, Connecticut; eight grandchildren, Jimmy Davis, (LaTonya) Showanda Davis Keith (Anthony), Brandon D. Davis, Montrell Anthony Davis, Darrin Graham, Maya Ashley Nicole Davis, Deja Martice Scott, and Jade Y. Scott; and five great-grandchildren. She also leaves her beloved uncle, Ed Lewis Davis; her brothers, Bruce Davis and Eddie Fisher Wall; her sisters, Robin Barnes, Phyllis Bowman, Cheryl Robinson, and Kimberly Youmans; her beloved cousins, Darrell and Brian Davis and Caroline Apgar; special family friend and spiritual sons Kermit Carolina and David Diah; one spiritual daughter, Jillian Knox; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to cherish her memory.
A celebration of her life will take place Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Bethel AME Church, 255 Goffe St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Wednesday at the church from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Interment will be at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Gibbs family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com