Jerry Gibson

Rev. Jerry Wayne Gibson, 81, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2023, in Chatom. Jerry was born December 14, 1941, to Joseph Gibson and Lessie Adams Gibson in Luverne. It was in Luverne that Jerry accepted the Lord as Savior. In 1956 the family moved to Pensacola, FL. After attending a revival meeting his personal faith and concern for those who didn't know the Lord was ignited. He immediately began to pray for and witness to his family. One night, he crept into his parents' bedroom and prayed aloud over them for their salvation. They came to the Lord shortly after and thus he began his ministry at age 14.

During his early days in Pensacola he also met a young woman at the water fountain at Brownsville Junior High School. Sharon McNiel became his sweetheart and he never had eyes for anyone else. They were married in Brownsville Baptist Church on April 6, 1962. They share a love for one another centered around the Lord that death cannot overcome.

Jerry graduated from Troy University and attended New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He served as pastor throughout the coming years at Rutledge, Uriah, Flomaton, First Baptist Jackson and East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola. At the time the family returned to Jackson, he launched an independent evangelistic ministry, leading revivals and teaching in many churches over the next 15 years. After retiring, he served as interim pastor in church fellowships in the surrounding area. He is known and loved as "Brother Jerry" and led many to the Lord and discipled and encouraged many believers with his fervent preaching.

Jerry was a voracious reader of any material which would give him greater knowledge of the Lord, the Word and the Church. His extensive collection of theological books was well loved and used frequently as he constantly strove to know as much as possible about the God he faithfully served and of the great preachers of old, from which he mined much wisdom and understanding.

One of Jerry's joys was antique automobiles and was known for restoring several antique cars over the course of many years. His love for cars was born out of his love for his father, Joseph, who was a car mechanic. He has been known to get out of the hospital and go straight to scavenge car parts, much to the consternation of his bride!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lessie Gibson and his sister, Diane McMullen.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon McNiel Gibson; his daughter, Faith Lorraine Gibson (Tony), Debbie Gibson Reid (Jim), Kaye Gibson Harrell (Clint); grandchildren, Trey Gibson, Jeremy Gibson, Hannah Gibson Beier, Alina Gibson, Samuel Gibson, Jonathan Gibson, Anna Challacombe, Ethan Reid, Rebecca Reis, David Harrell and Laura Harrell; nine great-grandchildren; brother- and sister-in-law, Roger & Rebecca McNiel; sister-in-law, Anne Nahlovsky; niece, Rachel Jones and nephew, Joseph Mathias.

Services will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Lathan Funeral Home, Jackson. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the service begins at 10:00 a.m. with Bro. Roger McNiel officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Tony Gibson, Jon Gibson, Clint Harrell, David Harrell, Jim Reid and Ethan Reid.

Honorary pallbearers will be Samuel Gibson, Trey Gibson, Eddie Pezent, Frank Reynolds and Paul Reynolds.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry's memory to Alpha Women's Resource Center, P. O. Box 582, Jackson, AL 36545 or Clarke County Kingdom Builders, P. O. Box 1448, Jackson, AL 36545.