Belva Jean VanBibber, of Greenup, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by the love of her family, on July 22, 2026. Belva was born on July 6, 1936, in Tongs, Kentucky, to the late Sam and Ethel Young.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son, Mark VanBibber; her husband of 56 years, L.M. VanBibber; her husband of two years, James “Jim” Simpson; her sisters, Sophia Hunt, Ruby Penix, and Hattie Mae Young; and her brother, Welford Brady Young.
She leaves behind five children: Maurice (Debbie) VanBibber, Ronnie (Teresa Nichols) VanBibber, Donnie (Paula) VanBibber, Anita (Jeff) Braden, and Jana (Brent) Mullholand; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; a sister in-law Margie VanBibber, brother in-law Howard (Margie) Simpson, a host of nieces and nephews; her special friend of five years, Benny Dixon; and many wonderful friends who will miss her dearly.
Belva had a way of making everyone feel like family. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome, and no one ever left hungry. She loved to cook and was famous for her Sunday dinners, homemade rolls, and chicken spaghetti. There was nothing that made her happier than having her house full of children, family, laughter, and good food. Those gatherings were the highlight of her week and became some of the sweetest memories for everyone who shared them—a tradition she encouraged her family to carry on for generations to come. Belva was the manager of the men’s department at Cox’s/Watson’s Department Store. She enjoyed crocheting and quilting with her friends and lovingly made countless quilts to pass along to family and friends. She also had quite the sweet tooth and was known to finish every meal with “a little bite of something sweet.” She loved to laugh, but more than anything, Belva loved her family. She had a special gift for making every child, grandchild, and loved one feel like they were “the favorite.” Her love, laughter, and the traditions she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. While she will be deeply missed, her family is forever grateful for the memories she gave them and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy will live on through her recipes, her traditions, and her remarkable ability to turn any gathering into a party.
Funeral Services will be at 12 P.M. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Roberson Funeral Home in South Shore, KY, with Jack Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at Brickunion Cemetery in Lloyd, KY. Visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the funeral home from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M. and from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour on Sunday.