Sophia Leigh Gibb, 15, of Winchester, gained her angel wings on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hospice of the Panhandle, after a brave and heartbreaking battle with diffuse midline glioma (DMG), a rare and aggressive brain cancer.

Born in 2010, Sophia was the cherished daughter of David Gibb and Tiffany Merritt. She was also deeply loved by her step-parents, Stephanie Gibb and Donald Merritt III. Sophia was a student at James Wood High School and attended Laurel Hill Christian Church. She had a joyful spirit and a heart that shined brightly on everyone around her. She loved playing basketball and softball, making TikTok videos, and sharing laughs with those she loved.

Sophia had an incredible love for music and a beautiful singing voice that brought comfort and happiness to many. Her favorite artist was Zach Bryan, and she could often be found singing along to her favorite songs. She enjoyed watching SpongeBob SquarePants, collecting Jellycats, and trying all kinds of food—though mashed potatoes never made the list.

More than anything, Sophia loved her family. Her siblings meant the world to her, and she took pride in being a sister. She was the kind of person who could light up even the darkest room, and her smile, laughter, and loving heart will forever be missed.

Sophia is survived by her parents, David Gibb and Tiffany Merritt; step-parents, Stephanie Gibb and Donald Merritt III; sisters, Merleah Gibb, Emily Gibb, and Victoria Oliver; brothers, Hunter Merritt, Thomas Gibb, and Brayden Merritt; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Deborah Lewis; maternal grandparents, Darwin and Cindy Bly; great-grandmothers, Nancy Bly and Mae Katherine Barrick; her best friend, Annalise Mullen; her beloved pet rabbit, Guppy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Robert “Red” Bly, Byrd Barrick, Carrie Shoemaker, Paul Shoemaker, and Roberta Lewis, and her aunts, Joanna, and Hannaha Lewis.

A memorial service honoring Sophia’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Church of Christ at Mountain View in Winchester, with Pastor Wayne Racey officiating. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for food and fellowship in the Christ at Mountain View Fellowship Hall.

In celebration of Sophia’s life and the things she loved most, the family kindly asks guests to consider wearing SpongeBob or Zach Bryan–themed clothing, or the color blue, as a tribute to her bright spirit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sophia’s memory to the Children’s National Hospital Brain Tumor Network at cbtn.org.