Gloria Bernice Gibson

Gloria Bernice Gibson was born on October 27, 1943 in Columbus, Ohio, to Persia and Zimma Smith and was the second youngest of ten siblings. Gloria attended Columbus Public Schools and graduated from Central High School where she played on the basketball team. Her teammates penned the nickname for Gloria as "Pro." Gloria was the proud parent of three children, Jeffrey, Apryl and Aaren, whom she raised in a godly home and taught them to respect themselves and others, and give honor and praise to God. Gloria was employed for many years by the Detective Bureau, City of Columbus, Division of Police, where she retired at the age of 57. Gloria was very creative and had a wonderful imagination. She was multi-talented: a "great" cook and loved to bake. Gloria enjoyed making floral arrangements and creating all types of arts and crafts. She loved to sew... a talent, her sisters, Madge, Jayne and Edna shared. Apryl would often comment her mother "could make anything." Gloria loved to make people smile and her smile was contagious. She would light up a room with her merry heart and sometimes "funny" remarks. Gloria enjoyed skating and mastered this skill. Even during their adult years, Gloria and her brother, John (also a skilled skater), would regularly skate together and as brother and sister, eyes watched as they "smoothly" skated around the rink. Gloria's love for animals inspired her to take veterinarian classes at The Ohio State University. She loved pets, especially dogs -- and not just her own, but others... and dogs loved her. She just had that type of love that dogs sensed. Gloria loved to sing, acapella (in parts). She would often sing with her family and had no problem letting them know when they were off key. For purposes of confidentiality, we won't tell anyone that it was Aaren most of the time (smiles). The Smith family attended Centenary Methodist Church for many years. Gloria was baptized by her brother, John, while he was an assisting minister at Bethlehem Temple and later became a part of the Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ ministry, under the tutelage of Bishop William C. Latta. Gloria was a faithful member and called to the ministry of teaching. In addition to many years of teaching, she and her sister, Kay, were a part of the Outreach ministry, and ministered in nursing homes throughout the City of Columbus. Gloria later became a part of Rhema Christian Center ministry, under the leadership of Bishop La Fayette Scales, where she met her "love," Graham, while both were ministering in the prison system. Graham and Gloria were married March 16, 1996 and their "blended" family included Jeffrey, Aaren, Apryl, Graham, "Jr.," Linda, Tootles and Bonnie. Graham and Gloria continued ministering in the prisons and nursing homes, but their ministry did not stop there. Wherever the Lord opened a door for them to share the message of the gospel and to show forth God's love, you could find them both always willing. Graham loved Gloria, and his kindness and patience in caring for her has been readily witnessed by many. Gloria was a "teacher" at heart and thus it was just automatic with her. Many times you would be in discussion with her and next thing you would notice that she was giving you a Sunday School or Bible Study lesson, Gloria had a love for God and for people and it was truly exemplified in her service to the Lord. Her ministry was diverse, reaching young and old. She always gave praise and honor to God. Gloria Gibson went home to glory on Sunday, August 29 with her husband by her side, holding her hand, and in the presence of family members. Gloria is preceded in death by parents, Persia Sr. and Zimma (Dave) Smith; Brothers: William (Billy) Smith, Robert and Persia Smith, Jr.; Sisters: Kay Johnson, Madge Walburg-Jones, and Edna Mae Stewart. Gloria will be forever remembered by her husband, Graham Gibson; sons, Jeffrey Perry, Graham Gibson, Jr., daughters: Aaren (Gene) Stephens, Apryl (Ronald) Pitts, Bonnie Epps, Harriet "Tootles," (George) Harris, Linda (Kevin) Powe; brothers: John (Linda) Smith, Joseph (Christine) Smith and sister: S. Jayne (Claude) Cole, special niece, Kisha Stewart, host of family members and friends. Officant/Eulogist: Bishop and Overseer John and Linda Smith, Christ Centered Apostolic Church