Destani Marchelle Gibbs, beautiful soul
With hearts that are both broken and grateful, we celebrate the beautiful life of Destani Marchelle Gibbs, 37, of Laurel, who passed away Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
Destani was born Nov. 16, 1988, in Lewes, to Larry Gibbs Jr. and Emma (Holden) Gibbs, and was the oldest of three children. She spent her childhood between Clarksville and Harbeson, where she had a closeness and bond with cousins, Ronald “Ron-Ron,” Katrina “Trina,” and Latoya “Toya” Holden, who were raised together like siblings. Destani attended summer camps, played field hockey, ran track, was a cheerleader, and loved reading. She had two special playmates, her aunt, Cassandra Gibbs, and cousin, Shaunda Moore. Destani attended schools in the Indian River and Cape Henlopen school districts, and graduated from Sussex Technical High School in 2006. Destani formed lifelong friendships with Cynthia Barnes, Geraldlisha Mitchell, Megan Deiter-Samuels and Dionndra Rooks.
Destani went on to start a lengthy career in the hospitality industry before working at M&T Bank, where she carried herself with professionalism and determination. Yet beyond her career, she had a true passion for cooking – a gift she used to bring people together. Destani loved hosting dinners and catering events, which ultimately led to the formation of her own business – Catered 2 You Catering. Whether she was trying new recipes or exploring foods from different cultures while traveling, she found joy in flavors, experiences and the stories behind them.
Destani was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her. A devoted mother, loving daughter, sister, partner and friend, she poured her whole heart into the people she loved. Her greatest pride and joy were her sons, Omar Jr., Rashad and Legend Long, whom she lived for and supported endlessly, especially in their sports and every dream they dared to chase. She shared a loving partnership with Omar Long Sr.
She was witty, nurturing, and incredibly kind – the kind of soul who would give her last to someone else without hesitation. Even during her own challenges, she spoke life into those around her. She encouraged, uplifted, and believed in others when they struggled to believe in themselves.
Destani’s beauty was not only seen – it was felt. It was in her laughter, her comforting words, her warm embraces, and the unwavering way she showed up for the people she loved. She worked hard to achieve her goals and showed her children, family, and friends what strength, resilience, and grace truly look like.
Though her time here was far too short, Destani’s impact is everlasting. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, perseverance, and joy. We celebrate her life not just for the years she lived, but for the countless hearts she touched and the love she gave so freely.
Her memory will continue to live on in her children, her family, and in every life, she encouraged to keep going, keep loving, and keep believing in better days.
Destani is survived by her parents, Larry Jr. and Emma Gibbs; sons, Omar Jr., Rashad and Legend Long; sisters, Lashaye and Kyla Gibbs; great-grandmother, Lillian Gibbs; grandparents, Larry Sr. and Kathleen Gibbs; uncle, Henry Holden III; and aunts, Ruby Marshall, and Machel and Cassandra Gibbs. She will be dearly missed by her partner, Omar Long Sr.; extra special uncle, Ronald Gibbs; and a host of family and friends.
She was predeceased by her great-grandparents, Elijah and Lottie Mills, and William Gibbs; grandparents, Henry Jr. and Mary Rose Holden; and aunts, Maryland Holden, Marilyn Holden-Gibbs and Vernetha Holden.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 7, at Calvary Pentecostal Church, 13325 Worcester Hwy., Bishopville, Md., with a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Zoar Golden Acres.
In honoring Destani, we do not say goodbye – we say thank you. Thank you for the love. Thank you for the laughter. Thank you for the light.
Visit Destani’s Life Memorial webpage at watsonfh.com.
