passed away to a new and eternal life of peace & happiness on November 18, 2023.
Affectionately called “Gip” by family and friends, he was a proud Memphian and member of the Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1959. A passionate saxophonist, he marched in the Marching Warriors band and earned a band scholarship to Langston University in Oklahoma. There he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Army and later earned his Masters in Education from Tribeca Nazarene
College.
Gip worked for many years at Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in management before beginning a career in education. From his humble beginnings as a Substitute Teacher to becoming the school
district’s Purchasing Coordinator, he dedicated 35 years of service to the Memphis City Schools Board of Education before retiring.
Sometime around 1965, Gip attended a party where he met a pretty brown girl wearing glasses. Her name was Pearl. The two began a long courtship, 13 years to be exact, before marrying in 1978. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, they celebrated 45 years of marriage on June 3, 2023. There was no one he loved more than his sweet Pearl, his devoted wife and very best friend.
Cool, laid back & unbothered are words most would probably agree best described Gip’s personality. He was a simple man who did not require much beyond his spot on the sofa and his family to be
happy.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving & loyal wife, Pearl S. Gibson; a daughter, Leah Gibson; stepson, Torrance Stephens and grandchildren, Thabiti Stephens (Brady), Chianti Stephens, Gregory
Bethea, Julez Bethea and Angel Bethea; devoted niece, Meon Ingram; cherished cousin, Amelia Harris, and a host of other dear relatives and close friends.
