Elizabeth Ann (Barton) Gibson

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Barton-Gibson was born on January 1, 1940, in Kingsport, Tennessee to the late Earl Cartrey Barton and Nellie Richardson. Elizabeth passed away on February 7, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. Shortly after her birth, Elizabeth and her family moved back to their hometown of Cherokee, Alabama. During her childhood, she spent man days growing up with her siblings on her grandparents’ farm. Elizabeth was affectionately referred to as “Ann”, “Liz”, “Sister Gibson”, and “Ma”.

Ann graduated from Cherokee High School in 1959. After high school, Ann lived in Sheffield, Alabama, Manhattan, New York (Harlem), and Baltimore, Maryland. In 1974, her family moved back to Cherokee, Alabama. In 1987, she relocated to Florence, Alabama, where she remained for 35 years. In 2021, she moved to Killen, Alabama to live with her daughter and her family. In 2022, she went to Bethel, Alaska to spend time with her daughter and granddaughter, until she passed. Ann was employed at Columbia University, Western Union, State of Alabama Unemployment Office, and in other various capacities.

Ann was known for her sense of fashion, especially for wearing hats and her high- heeled shoes. She was known to wear high heels around the house while she was cooking or just sitting around enjoying the day. She continued to wear high heels even after the age of 80. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, baking, writing, and engaging in conversations. She never missed an opportunity to hit the road. She was always planning a trip somewhere. When she was not traveling, she could be found writing short stories, poems, and personal letters. Her handwritten letters to family and friends were filled with wisdom and insight. Through her letters, her voice will forever speak to her loved ones and be a guiding light in their lives. Ann’s “Ma” greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She was always there when her family needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love. She played a significant role in raising her grandchildren. She taught them about her faith and the importance of having strong values. She often spoke about her faith, and she also lived it in her everyday life through her numerous acts of kindness, love, and compassion. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she loved them unconditionally. There are no words to describe what she has done for her family and how she has impacted their lives. She gave selflessly and never expected anything in return. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, faith, integrity, humility, wisdom, perseverance, strength, respect and honor. She was truly an example of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31). Her children and grandchildren loved her dearly and will miss their “Ma” beyond explanation.

Ann “Sister Gibson” was a faithful and dedicated Jehovah’s Witness for over 50 years. She was committed to her ministry work, spending countless hours going door-to-door, writing letters, and making phone calls to share God’s word. She would travel near and far to attend her kingdom conventions and to visit other Kingdom Halls. During these visits, she was blessed to have met and formed lifelong friendships. She took great joy in being able to help others study the bible and progress on to baptism.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm Gibson, Sr.; son, Arthur Benard Alexander; infant daughter, Shelia Alexander; daughter Kim Ann Thompson; sister, Barbara Richardson; brother Edward “Pete” Savage.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: sons, Reginald Alexander (Renee) of Chicago, IL; Malcolm Gibson of Waldorf, MD; daughters, Melanie Gibson of Bethel, AK, and Monica Gibson-Hayes (Paul) of Killen, AL; beloved grandchildren: Mallory Elizabeth Hayes of Killen, AL Carson Ivey of Killen, AL, Kaedyn Ivey of Killen, AL, Zoe Elizabeth DaCosta of Bethel, AK, Ashayla Williams (Josh) of Hughesville, Maryland, Ameir Gibson of Waldorf, Maryland, Bridgette Laster of Hope, Arkansas, Reginae Alexander of Chicago, IL; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Williams of Hughesville, Maryland, Ace Williams of Hughesville, Maryland, Kylan Williams of Killen, AL, and Ava Stuart of Hope, Arkansas; sisters, Eldora Glover (Bobby) of Queens, NY, and Earline Barrett of Bronx, NY; brothers, Leroy Richardson (Maggie) of Cherokee, AL, and Earl Dwight Barton of Bronx, NY; niece, Angela Johnson of Sheffield, AL; nephews, Bobby Glover, Jr. (Marie) of Hartsville, NY; and other special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to her beloved and devoted sister-in-law, Maggie Richardson, who has been a lifelong sister/sister-in-law to our mother. She loved you dearly and she always spoke very fondly of you. She shared many great stories of the two of you working together. She often would say, “Maggie and I get along well,” and “We have been together a long time.” With heartfelt gratitude, to thank Paul for almost 30 years of dedication to our mother. He provided tremendous care during her time of need, and he was always willing to do whatever needed to be done. A special thank you to Shelia King Woods (Bonus Daughter) for all the love and support she has provided the family throughout the years, especially for the support given during her illness and during her passing. A special thank you to Brother and Sister Bowens for always making sure she was able to attend the Memorial. The memorial was the most important event for her to attend. She never missed one in all her years as a Jehovah’s Witness. Thank you to anyone who participated in the care of our beloved mother. Ma, or whatever name you chose to call her, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. We ask that you remember her by the way she lived her life, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and she will be truly missed by many.

To honor our mother’s wish, there will be no funeral services. Her life will be celebrated through a private graveside service at Greenview Memorial Gardens, Florence, Alabama
Our family invites you to please privately celebrate our mother’s memory in your own way.

Revelation 21:4
“And God wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will
mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”

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