Elizabeth Gibson

Gibson, Mrs. Elizabeth Harris Saginaw, Michigan. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2005 at the Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay Street. Pastor P. David Saunders will officiate with entombment in Oakwood Memorial Mausoleum. Friends may call at the Browne's Mortuary, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. on Friday from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. The family will be present from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. for the family hour. Elizabeth Harris Gibson was born on December 9, 1922 to the late Levi Harris and Carrie Craig Harris. Growing up, her parents emphasized the value of family ties, religious faith, hard work, and good education - fundamentals that guided Elizabeth throughout her life. Additionally, as the oldest of nine children, she quickly learned how to play the roles of teacher and mentor, and shared these bedrock values with those around her. As a young woman, she married Alvernis Rochelle, who preceded her in death. From that union, two daughters, Cyntheia and Karen, were born. Later, Elizabeth married John Gibson Jr., who preceded her in death. Her family was very important to her, and she strived to instill those values in her daughters, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren. Elizabeth's religious journey began at an early age, when she declared her faith and joined the Holly Spring Missionary Baptist Church of Romulus, Alabama. Later, as an adult, she was an active member of the First African Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Upon moving to Saginaw, Michigan, she joined the First Presbyterian Church, and later became an active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Elizabeth was passionate about the welfare of the church, and in addition to her multi-year stint as President of the Board of Directors for Bethel Day Care, she was also involved with Bethel's Missionary Society, Bible Study, and various volunteer programs. Education was another important part of Elizabeth's life; in fact, she saw it as nothing less than the key to success, and frequently encouraged this philosophy in those around her. She received her early education in the Tuscaloosa City and County school systems. Later, she went on to earn numerous degrees in education - a B.S. from Stillman College, a M.A. from Wayne State University, and a M.A. and Ed.S. from the University of Alabama. Additionally, she studied at Alabama State University, Grambling University, and The Ohio State University. As an adult, Elizabeth was a teacher at Druid High School in Tuscaloosa. She moved on from this position to become a counselor at the University of Alabama. Afterwards, she took on a new challenge as the Director of Career Counseling and Placement for what was then known as Saginaw Valley State College. Although health constraints contributed to her early retirement, Elizabeth never really slowed down. She took on brand new challenges with her church and community, and added them to longstanding commitments. Some of the organizations Elizabeth was involved with included the National Issues Forum, the Girl Scouts of America, Top Ladies of Distinction, and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Elizabeth's ongoing dedication and service did not go unnoticed by her friends and associates. Throughout her lifetime, she received numerous awards and accolades, including "Educator of the Year" from the United Sisterhood of Community Organizations, "Top Lady Award" from the Top Ladies of Distinction, and "Woman of the Year" from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Elizabeth Harris Gibson passed away on Sunday, March 20 at Covenant Medical Center in Saginaw. She is survived by her daughters, Cyntheia (Joseph) Daniels of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Karen (James) Haymon of Saginaw; her grandchildren, Carlton Daniels and Danielle Daniels, both of Chicago, Illinois, and Evan Haymon of Saginaw; her sisters, Pearline (Will) Johnson, Josephine (William) Turner, Johnnie Mae Ferrell, and Ida Hobson; her nieces, Arnette, Sara, Patricia, Althea, Sandra, Damita Jo, Joan Belinda, and Lisa; and her nephews, Larry, William, Louis, Brian, and Jonathan. She was preceded in death by her brother, Webster Harris; her sisters, Rianna Snider and Georgene Harris; and her brothers-in-law, Herman Ferrell and Rev. Henry Hobson. Elizabeth Harris Gibson was loved by her family, friends, and community, and will truly be missed.

Elizabeth Gibson

December 9, 1922 - March 20, 2005