James F. Gibson Sr.

James Franklin Gibson Sr., 83, died Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Clarendon County on Feb. 22, 1924, he was the son of the late Elder Jacob Gibson and Rosa Thames Gibson.

Mr. Gibson attended the public schools of Clarendon and Sumter counties. As a young man he became a member of Galilee Baptist Church, where he worked faithfully as an usher and trustee for 45 years. He was a member of Do-Right Lodge No. 377 for 45 years and served in the United States Army for 18 months. After his tenure in the military, he worked at Santee Print Works for 47 years until his retirement in 1991.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Corine Wilson Gibson; two daughters, Merline Hill of Sumter and Betty Solomon of Mayesville; three sons, Earl Briggs of Atlanta, Edward Gibson of Mayesville and Anthony Gibson of Sumter; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, Emma Gibson and Pattie Gibson of Mayesville, Mae Bell McCleary of Manhattan, N.Y., and Almena Johnson of Baltimore; one brother-in-law, Charles “CJ” Johnson Sr. of Mayesville; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ella Mae Wright and Gladys Gibson, and five brothers, Porter, Marion, Willie, Albert and Clarence.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 30, 2007, at Galilee Baptist Church, Mayesville, with the Rev. Eugene Myers officiating.

Burial followed in Mayesville Cemetery.

Floral bearers were members of Eastern Star Chapter No. 247.

Pallbearers were members of Do-Right Lodge No. 377.

Scriven Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.