GIBSON, MARY ELIZABETH

A memorial service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date for Mary Elizabeth Gibson, affectionately known as “Moma” to her family. She was born to Lawrence and Ethel Highland in Clio, South Carolina on June 6, 1909. Mrs. Gibson relocated to Jersey City at the age of 21. Mrs. Gibson raised her four children with her husband, Pell Gibson in the old Ege Avenue neighborhood. She worked for such companies as Westinghouse and later on Emerson for over 20 years. Her position was as an assembly worker and later on being promoted to an inspector. After retirement, she worked in several positions, such as a volunteer worker at Christ Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. She also enjoyed her work as a foster grandparent at the Claremont-Lafayette Daycare Center. Mrs. Gibson was also a senior companion for several clients (in the 70’s). She also became a quality baker, whipping up a variety of pound cakes and carrot cakes along with her famous potato salad for family members and for various church events. Her spunky personality showed her witty wisecracks and quick remarks, her amazing memory and the history lessons she shared with anyone who showed an interest. A longtime member of First Wesleyan Church she became a very active servant. She served in the capacity of substitute – Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher. In 1974 Mrs. Gibson started attending her annual family reunions which were held all over the country. She traveled to her last reunion in Atlanta at the age of 102 years old. During this flight she received a special honorary welcome from the captain of that flight. Mrs. Gibson lived at the Tikvan Towers for over 30 years. She belonged to several community senior clubs. In 2011 she was honored by the women of NAACP. For her 105th birthday she received greetings from President and Mrs. Barack Obama. For her 110th birthday, she received greetings from Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Cory Booker, and the office of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. and others while being filmed and interviewed by ABC TV news station. When asked about her secret to life’s longevity, she would reply with: “I always ate well, I always walked, and every night I ask God to let me see another sunrise.” Before becoming wheelchair bound, she was an avid walker. She would often take walks to the Exchange Place Pier with her daughters. She resided at the Peace Care St. Joseph’s nursing facility until her departure from this earth. Mrs. Gibson leaves to mourn her legacy, loving and loyal daughters, Barbara McDonald and Loretta Lee, (both of Jersey City) a son, Warren Gibson, (residing in Florida), and daughter-in- law Denise Gibson, 8 devoted grandchildren, Valerie Slack (Samuel), Sheila Spencer, Crystal Lee-Howell (Derrick), Harold McDonald (Kim), Lisa and Mary Williams, Rosetta Gibson (Em), and Maria Gibson, 13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, church members and other loving family and friends. Special friend of the family is her dedicated healthcare aide, Tinia Mitchell. Mrs. Gibson was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Ethel Highland, her siblings, Inez, Alonia, Thomas, Henry, Richard, Howard and Luther, her husband Pell Gibson, her daughter, Ruth Williams, sons- in- law, Walter Williams, Harold McDonald, Vernon Lee Jr., and daughter- in- law, Jennie Gibson and 4 grandchildren, Kathy McDonald, Melvin, Dennis and Cheryl Williams, and great grandson, Shawn Spencer. Services arranged by the Watson Mortuary Service, Jersey City, (201) 432-5521.