"Her children arise up, and called her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her." Proverbs 31:28

Our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, little lady, our Queen – Mrs. Lillie Mena Atkinson Gibson was born on December 3, 1927 in St. Stephen, SC. She was the only child of Timothy and Irene Atkinson. Mrs. Gibson married the late Mr. Andrew Gibson on September 25, 1943. Unto this union six children were born. With God given love and compassion, Mom also raised two grandchildren as her own.

Mom became a widow at an early age, but she was dedicated and determined to raise her children. We went to church every Sunday and also attended Sunday School, night services and revivals. Education was very important to her, so attending school was priority.

Mom had a sweet, pleasant demeanor, but she got her point across with positive, yet firm words or by giving us that "Look". We knew what that meant! She was a strong, independent and compassionate woman. We remember her kneeling to pray every night. She encouraged us to always do our best and to be mannerable and respectable at all times.

An excellent homemaker and a great cook, she made the best sweet potato pies, coconut pies, pound cakes and fruit cakes. We remember coming home from school to Mom's hot biscuits and peaches or pears.

She supported our school programs as children and as adults continued to support her grandchildren. She attended high school and college graduations and helped with newborn grandchildren in and out of state. Mom attended Mary Kay meetings with her granddaughter, Yvette, and traveled out of state with another granddaughter, Angie, for AAU basketball tournaments. She would travel to New York, Maryland and Myrtle Beach for summer vacations.

Mom attended Berkeley County Schools and also took adult education classes. Always providing wise counsel, Mom could have had a degree in "Wisdom". She worked very little outside the home but volunteered as a teacher's aide at St. Stephen Elementary School for several years.

Mom joined St. Stephen Baptist Church with her parents and was baptized at an early age. After her marriage, she joined Allen A.M.E. Church with her husband where she served faithfully for over 70 years. She served as a Missionary, Choir member, Usher, Stewardess, Class Leader and Pulpit Aid member. She also participated in Bible Study. She loved reading her bible and singing hymns. Mom was also a member of St. Stephen Chapter #158, Order of the Eastern Star.

A civic minded individual, Mom was a member of the NAACP and she voted in every election. On occasion she would take friends to vote. When her health failed, she insisted on voting by absentee ballot. She was extremely excited to vote for Barack Obama, our first black President!

Some of Mom's favorite TV shows were the Gaithers, Family Feud, Judge Judy and Gilbert Patterson. She enjoyed doing word find Bible puzzles. She also loved doing iPad games and YouTube gospel programs.

Mom toiled in the vineyard for many years. She has been on the battlefield for the Lord for a long, long time. A few weeks ago, she said she was free from sin. We knew then, she was making preparation to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We love Mom very much and will carry her in our hearts forever. Because we have hope, we don't dare say goodbye, but see you later!

Mom departed this life and went to eternal rest on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at her home. She was 94 years old.

Mom's survivors include her children: Frances Gibson of Jersey City, NJ, Andrew Gibson, Jr. of Columbia, SC, Betty Gibson Hunter (Anthony) of Columbia, SC, Nathaniel Gibson (Karen) of Clinton, MD, Geraldine Headley (DeCosta) of Brooklyn, NY, Mary Montgomery (Ira Jr.) of Alvin, SC, Dwayne Gibson of Yonkers, NY and Kyle Gibson of Miami, FL; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great, great-grand, as well as a host of family friends and relatives who will cherish and enjoy so many wonderful precious memories and will miss her dearly.

Viewing will be held Friday, November 25, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel, 221 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC. A Home Going Service will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022, 11:00 a.m., at Allen AME Church, 280 Hood Street, St. Stephen, SC, with viewing from 10:00 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. Face masks are required at the funeral home and the church. Interment will be in Tri Churches Cemetery, St. Stephen, SC.

The service will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh