Roberta Michelle Gibson

Roberta was born to Robert Earl Gibson and Evelyn Grant Gibson on September 23, 1978. Prior to her arrival, the debate as to what she would be named was settled. She was the first girl born after her older brother James. Her dad insisted that his name would be her first name, with an “a” added at the end. After some time, she affectionately became known as “Berta” and even “B.” Berta finished Wheatley High School in “The Nickel” (Fifth Ward) in 1997. Upon graduation with a music scholarship to Wiley College (Marshall, TX), she excelled with the on-campus choir and enjoyed involvement in other collegiate activities with all of her college friends. Coming back to Houston, she was able to complete her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston-DT. (Go Gators!) She decided to further her education by obtaining a Master’s degree from Texas Southern University in Public Administration from the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. (Go Tigers!)

Throughout all the busyness of life, almost 10 years ago, she decided to expand on the entrepreneurial dreams that she became so passionate about. In the state of Texas, she founded “MarieWorthie LLC.” This was the culmination of years of understanding one’s own self-value and self-worth. When asked, “How Worthie Are You?” her business mantra was a challenge to “Know Your Worth, Own Your Worth!” She participated in various local and regional conferences, selling her wares and spreading the message of “worth!”

Eager to advance her professional career, Berta became a founding Charter Member of the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc., Epsilon Phi Chapter in 2016. Driven by a healthy ambition, during 2021, Berta was able to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a graduate member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) This was a moment of “mission accomplished” for Berta. She was excited at being part of an elite group of women who formed an alliance of sisterhood. Berta felt that she had a lot to contribute, as this was uniquely aligned with her own business mission, vision, and value propositions.

Berta has a combined tenure, with over 20 years of experience working in higher education. She has worked with the University of Houston Central Campus, Texas Southern University and Rice University in various positions of influence and leadership. Her passion was in working hands-on with students, securing positive outcomes, leading to positive changes in the world around us. Life became full circle with Berta returning to the University of Houston (December 2022) as Director, Program 2. This working position was a new, exciting learning opportunity in the University of Houston Population Health department.

Looking to Christ Jesus, as the Author and Finisher of her faith (Hebrews 12:2), Berta joined Fifth Ward Church of Christ December 2022. She was excited about Bible Study classes and learning more of God and His Word. She would call “momma” to express the excitement of receiving new revelation in the Word of God. Seemingly as life appears to have abruptly ended a lot of what Berta wanted to accomplish, she is still alive in the hearts of others who will forever be changed by what she has already done. Countless individuals who have known her understand the meaning of commanding “presence” and respect in whatever position they find themselves in.

Berta was preceded in death by her father, Robert Earl Gibson, and her almost-six-month-old sister April Deloris Gibson. She leaves to mourn her daughter Kaya Rechelle Gibson, mother Evelyn Grant Gibson, sister Debbie Nicole Gibson, brothers James Paul Gibson (Angela), Tony Gerard Gibson (Winderlyne) and Steven Patrick Gibson. Additionally, Berta is survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, “sisters and brothers from other mothers,” AKA sorors, and friends too numerous to mention.

A visitation for Roberta will be held Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 12:00 PM. A burial will occur Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Brookside Memorial Park.