Gussie Mae Gibson

Born into this world - Gussie Mae Williams on March 3, 1922, in Montgomery County, Alabama. Gussie was the eldest child of Jimmy Lee Lampley and Sallie Williams. The Williams family, including Gussie and her three sisters, migrated from their birthplace where they were reared and relocated to Hartford, Alabama, where the steadfast love of grandparents who raised her and her sisters, after their mother had gone to be with the Lord. At the age of seventeen (17), Gussie and her sisters experienced a childhood of profound kinship and spirituality, ultimately settling in the vibrant enclave of Southside in Dothan, Alabama - a place where most African Americans lived and collective worship blossomed.
The year 1943, marked the beginning of Gussie's enduring love story when she wedded "The Love of her Life," Johnny Gibson, a respected painter in the Dothan community. Their marriage was a harmony that spanned fifty-six (56) years until Johnny's passing in 1999. Together, they welcomed two beautiful daughters into the world, Johnnie Mae and Janice - the first petals of the bountiful garden, and through them, Gussie became the cherished Matriarch of a family that spanned five generations.
Gussie's life was a testament to her unwavering faith, having committed to the Lord as her Savior at the tender age of fourteen (14). She carried this torch throughout her life, illuminating the way for others with her enduring message to "get to know the Lord as their personal Savior." She was a pillar of strength and wisdom, offering guidance to all who knew her, epitomizing the grace and resilience of the human spirit.
In the face of adversity, when her community was displaced, Gussie and her kin adapted and thrived in Harmondale Subdivision (Lakeview), demonstrating the courage and resilience that would define her.
As a cherished member of the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, formerly Bethel Missionary Baptist Church since the age of seventeen (17). Gussie was active in several church auxiliary groups in which she served as a: Choir member, Matrons member, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Missionary Department Co-Chair, Mission Circle member, and assisted with many youth activities - contributing in various roles and touching countless lives with her spirit and generosity. One of Gussie's favorite scripture - Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want," was the bedrock of her existence, reminding her that in life or in death, in time of plenty or in time of want - God is good and worthy of her trust. Her service to the Lord was unceasing, as she dedicated over 100 years, affirming her trust in God's provision and care throughout her Century of life. Known for her unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Education was a continuing theme in Gussie's narrative. Though she left formal education after the ninth grade, her thirst for knowledge led her to the halls of Carver High School as an adult, demonstrating that growth and learning are timeless pursuits.
Her professional journey was marked by her role as a domestic worker. Consequently, Gussie's resolve and courage shone brightly as she became the second Black woman hired by the latex company Atwell, that later became Ansell Incorporated. After eighteen dedicated years, she embraced retirement, yet her industrious spirit never waned as she delved into church life, contributing to her beloved community of Dothan.
In 2022, upon turning 100 years old, Gussie was celebrated for her unwavering contribution to the church, Gussie was acknowledged for her centennial milestone with proclamations that recognized her life's rich tapestry from the Houston County Commission, the City of Dothan Commission, as well as from the Governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey culminating in the declaration that March 3rd, is "Gussie Mae Gibson Day." A tribute to a life beautifully lived. During her Proclamation, Gussie stated "This is such a great pleasure for me to be here, the Lord has blessed me."
Beyond her spiritual and communal endeavors, Gussie's passions extended beyond the church doors. She found joy in the simplicity of fishing, the friendly competition of bowling, and the communal gatherings at the Rose Hill Senior Center. Even into her 102nd year, she was a maven of the kitchen, crafting her signature chicken and dressing from scratch - a recipe not just for a meal, but for a life well-spent, full of zest and nurturing love.
With a heart as expansive as the skies and a spirit that mirrored the brightest of stars, Gussie Mae Williams Gibson has completed her century-long journey on this earth, leaving behind a legacy that will forever gleam in the firmament of those she touched. Gussie leaves to cherish her life-long Golden memories with her beautiful and devoted daughters: Johnnie Mae Reeves of Atlanta, Georgia, and Janice Jones of Dothan, Alabama; her adored grandchildren: Kimberly Jones, Kenyatta Jones, Venecia Stewart, Kevin Reeves, Sr., Keithlan Reeves, Sr., and Vereina Reeves Greene; her cherished great grandchildren: Teniya Lowe, Ketavious Reeves, Kierra Reeves, Keithlan Reeves, Jr., Sania Stewart, Kiyan Greene, Kaysone Smith, Kevin Reeves, Jr., DeVonte Reeves, Javon Ikande, Erica Grace, Kwanshay Jones, Malik Jones, and Courtney Gosha; her great-great grandchildren: Gyasi Ikande, Greyson Ikande, Kylen Melvin, Kalil Melvin, and Gaia Ikande; as well as a special nephew: Willie Ray Lampley of Queens, New York.
Gussie Mae Williams Gibson's journey on earth may have concluded, but her spirit endures in the hearts of those she touched. In the words of Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Gussie indeed left an indelible impression of warmth and compassion that will resonate for generations to come. Her life was a testament to her name – a "Gussie," an enduring spark of joy.
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