Minnie Gipson

Minnie Lee Gipson, 88, a loving Christian mother and grandmother departed this life and entered her heavenly home on Saturday, May 30, 2009. She was predeceased by her husband of 28 years, Rev. Johnnie N. Gipson, as well as two brothers, Herman Glisson and Howard Glisson and two sisters Maureen Gazelle and Allene Chambers. Mrs. Gipson is survived by her four children - Master Sergeant John Larry Gipson, USMC, Retired (Sharon) of Raymond; Rev. Harry N. Gipson (Glenda) of Brandon; Wanda Gipson McLemore (Charlie) of Raymond; and Cindy Gipson of Byram. She is also survived by sister, Mildred Glisson Walley (the late Glen) of North Carolina and brother, Clyde Glisson (Elaine) of South Carolina; brother-in-law, J.C. Gipson of Pearl; sister-in-laws, Odell Gipson of White Oak; Patsy Gipson of Idaho; and Joyce Gipson of Jackson.\ \ Born to Marvin and Bertha (McDaniel) Glisson in 1921, Mrs. Gipson was raised near Mize, Smith County, Mississippi. She moved to Jackson in 1940, where she met her future husband Johnnie. They were married in 1942 shortly before he was called for service in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Upon his return the couple settled down to life in a successful grocery business, but the Lord had other plans, and they were soon called to the ministry in 1948. Together they pastored several churches in Simpson, Yazoo, and Hinds Counties, as well as holding numerous revival services throughout Mississippi at which many came to know the Lord. Mrs. Gipson served joyfully alongside her husband in the ministry for over 20 years prior to his death in 1970.\ \ During her early years as a widow, Mrs. Gipson sacrificially devoted herself to her two young daughters and newly married sons. Her life was characterized by a sincere love and unwavering faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She was always active in her local church, with the last 36 years at Raymond Road Baptist Church. Over the years Mrs. Gipson taught Sunday School classes, worked in Vacation Bible Schools, led small group Bible studies in her home, and was active in a nursing home ministry. But most of all Mrs. Gipson will be remembered for her unwavering faith in her Savior and the simple but unfailing testimony her life gave to the truth of the Gospel as revealed in the New Testament. Her favorite past-times were studying the Bible, spending time with family and friends, tending to yardwork, attending church activities, and taking every opportunity to share her faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior and Lord with others. She also spent the last three years loving and caring for GiGi, her loyal pet and companion.\ \ In addition to passing on a Godly legacy to her children, Mrs. Gipson had a profound impact on her six grandchildren: Scott Gipson, M.D. (Susan) of San Angelo, Texas; Cindy Lynn Gipson of Mobile, Alabama; Representative Andy Gipson (Leslie) of Braxton; Larry Gipson, Jr. (Jeannine) of Meridian; Matt Gipson (Amanda) of Brandon; and Bennett McLemore of Raymond, along with her 10 great-grandchildren.\ \ Visitation will be held at Raymond Road Baptist Church, 4622 Raymond Road in Jackson on Monday, June 1, 2009 from 5-7pm and Tuesday from 10 -11am. Funeral services will be at 11am with burial following at Lakewood Memorial Park.\