Jesse Gibson

Jesse James Gibson, Jr. was born on September 5, 1935 to Jesse James Gibson, Sr. and Reola Virginia Washington in Marion, AL. Both preceded him in death, with his father being killed before he was born. His father was born in Louisville, AL. and his mother was born in Marion, AL. Coretta Scott King was also born in Marion, AL and she grew up around Jesse's family. She was also a cousin on the other side of the family.

At an early age, Jesse and his sister, Addie were baptized at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Marion, AL.

Jesse attended school in Preswick, Alabama. After high school, Jesse went to the Army. He entered on December 7, 1954 in Fort Thomas, KY and was Honorably Discharged on December 6, 1956 while serving in Fort Bliss, TX.

On November 9, 1960, he was married to Betty Ann Richardson by the late Rev. J.M. Stephens, founder of New Hope Baptist Church, where he attended. This marriage lasted for 58 years, 2 months and 16 days, until death departed them on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Cincinnati Veteran's Hospital.

Jesse was the father of two sons. He was a hard worker. He retired from General Motors after many years of service. After retirement, he went to White Castles every morning to meet friends for coffee and conversation.

Jesse was very clean; not only with personal hygiene, but also helping with household chores. He was always making sure that the yard work he did was immaculate. He was known to have the "cleanest car in Cincinnati." He had an infectious smile and laugh and was endowed with the spirit of wisdom (Mother Wit). He enjoyed being around his nieces, nephews and cousins. They loved and will miss Uncle Jesse so dearly.

He leaves to mourn  his passing: his beloved wife, Betty Ann Gibson; son, Montoya Holston; sister, Addie Louise (Johnny) Spruel; brother-in-law, Carl (Deborah) Richardson; sisters-in-law, Matilda Steele, Erma Johnson and Ruth Whetstone; nieces, Yvonne Spruel, Kimberly (Will) Roberson and Kelley (Richard) Green; goddaughters, Vera Simmons and Andrea Johnson; special friends, Charles and Lillie Alexander; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

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