Jenny Bess Goggin Hibbett, age 86, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
Mrs. Hibbett was born in Liberty, TN and was the daughter of the late, Robert William Goggin and Annie Lou Cotton Goggin.
She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Juliet where she served as a Special Needs Sunday School teacher for many years. Mrs. Hibbett was a proud graduate of Tennessee Technological University and went on to earn her Master’s degree from Peabody College.
Her journey through life was characterized by a commitment to God, education, public service and community involvement. Mrs. Hibbett embarked on a remarkable career in education that spanned an impressive 54 years. She began her teaching career in the Metro Nashville area. In 1961, she took a pioneering step by founding the Mt. Juliet First Baptist Church Kindergarten and Preschool, which has since evolved into Mt. Juliet Christian Academy. She left an indelible mark on countless students with her passion for learning. Beyond her contributions to education, Mrs. Hibbett also made a significant impact in the realm of public service.
She served her community as a Mt. Juliet City Commissioner and later assumed the honorable role of Mayor of Mt. Juliet, where her leadership and dedication helped shape the future of the city. In addition to her local government service, she served on the Board of Trustees at Vol State Community College. She was a devoted member of several organizations, including the Green Hill Women’s Club, the Martha Gaston Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Mt. Juliet/West Wilson Historical Society. Her involvement in these groups showcased her commitment to preserving the past and creating a bright future for her community. She also held the esteemed position of former President of the Mid-Cumberland Council of Governments.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hibbett was preceded in death by her husband, Neland Carver Hibbett, Jr.; her brother, Robert W. Goggin, Jr. and her sister, Polly Ann Webb.
She is survived by:
Sons – Robert N. (Kelly) Hibbett, John C. (Susan) Hibbett and Thomas G. (Linda Fay) Hibbett
Grandchildren – Andy Hibbett, Alex Hibbett, Carver Hibbett, Caroline Hibbett and Anna Hibbett
One Great-grandchild
Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Victory Baptist Church, 1777 Tate Lane, Mt. Juliet, TN with Rev. Billie Friel and Rev. Chuck Groover officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday and 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Interment will follow the service at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Tim Bell, Jeff Law, Andy Hibbett, Carver Hibbett, Alex Hibbett and Clint Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the MJ, Harvey Freeman, Public Library or the Mt. Juliet Christian Academy Library.
Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com
For more obituaries visit https://wilsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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