Carolyn McBreen Gibbs

Carolyn Ann McBreen Gibbs, a woman of profound faith, empathy, and dedication to the written word, passed away on January 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 24, 1943, to Edith Cleveland, who made the difficult decision to place her for adoption. She was later adopted by Marion and Dorothy Schuler and grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. Her life was a testament to the belief that every talent and passion is a gift from God, a philosophy which guided her through her diverse career and her deep commitment to ministry.

Carolyn's academic journey began at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority and earned a Bachelor of Education, majoring in English with a minor in History. She later refined her craft through specialized training at the Christian Writers Guild. This educational foundation paved the way for a multifaceted career; she initially worked in insurance with her father, Marion, but soon found her true calling in education and the arts.

For 15 years, Carolyn served as a preschool teacher, primarily in Christian schools, where she found "great joy" in developing her own curriculum to nurture young minds. In the latter chapter of her life, she transitioned into a prolific career as a freelance writer and author. She contributed to various publications for over a decade and published her non-fiction book, Family Matters: God's View, which offered a faith-based perspective on navigating the complexities of modern family life, including divorce, addiction, and loss. Her weekly blog served as a continued platform for her to share her heart and insights with the world.

Carolyn's spiritual life was the cornerstone of her identity. Led to the Lord by her sister-in-law, Sherri Gibbs, Carolyn's faith was an active, breathing force. Alongside her husband, she dedicated herself to ministry in the Omaha and Bellevue regions. She possessed a unique empathy for those in pain, once noting that "those with the most needs capture our hearts the most". Her commitment to healing led her to help establish the "Divorce Care" and "Grief Share" programs at Westside Church, among many other ministerial endeavors.

In 1978, Carolyn married the love of her life, John, beginning a journey of love which spanned over 47 years. She embraced her role as a loving 'Bonus Mom' to John's children, weaving them into her heart, and took immense pride in their growing family.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John; her sons, John and James (Teresa); and her daughter, Juliane. Her legacy continues through her five grandchildren - James, Alex, Micah, Isaiah, and Jules (Jordan) - and her great-granddaughter, Olivia. She is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Sherri Gibbs; special family members Mike and Diane Agnitsch; numerous cherished nieces and nephews and loved family and friends.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Dorothy Schuler, and Edith Cleveland; her mother-in-law, Mary M. Gibbs; and her siblings, Virgil, William, Frank, Mike, Dorothy, Carol, and Virginia.

Carolyn Gibbs lived her life as a vessel of care and compassion, always seeking to support families through difficult transitions with the grace she found in her faith. Her words and her enduring compassion remain a comfort and an inspiration to the many lives she touched.

Services and Livestream Details

● Visitation: Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 9:00-10:30 AM;

● Celebration of Life: Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:30 AM

Location for both: Westside Church - 15050 W Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68154

Livestream Options:●  Watch on the official Westside Church Omaha's YouTube channel youtube.com/@WestsideChurchOmaha (The service will be accessible under the "Live" tab).

● Visit wchurch.tv and click the red banner at the top of the page that morning.

There will be a private inurnment at the Omaha National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carolyn's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.