Funeral services will be held next week for a prominent business and civic leader.
Services for H.P. Gibson, Sr. will be held on Saturday, October 12th at the Bright Oak Baptist Church.
Gibson was one the founding members of National recording artists, “The Jordan Singers,” and was active in civic leadership of the community for decades.
“A stage play entitled “A Shout over Jordan” depicted Gibson and his family’s Jordan Singer years. The play was performed at the Monroe Civic Center.
He owned “Gibson’s Auto Body Shop” on DeSiard and Twin City Records on DeSiard Street.
His official obituary reads as follows:
Personal:
H. P. Gibson was born on June 27, 1932, the only son of Adel Wright and Willie Gibson in Wisner, Louisiana.
In 1944, he move to Sicily Island, LA with his mother and five sisters. In 1947, he moved to Monroe, LA where he bared two children from a previous marriage. In 1950, he met his lovely wife-to-be, Versie Mae Wimberly. On June 8, 1952, he wed his wife of 45 years. Between them, they bared 14 children.
Education:
Although he was forced to drop out of high school in the 9th grade to help take care of his mother and sisters, he was a firm believer in achieving a high school diploma. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, he went back to “Adult Education School” in Richland Parish and earned his high school diploma at Alto High School. He furthered his education and completed a trade at Delta Vocational Technical School in Auto Body Work and earned his certification.
Work Career:
H.P. began his working career through various job opportunities. His career began by working for F. Strauss & Sons. In 1954, he became an Insurance Agent for Standard Life Of Louisiana. In 1960’s, he became a Truck Driver for Stern Chemical Co. Being a Self-motivator and self enterprising, in the 1970’s, he began to undertake his own business ventures as a restaurant owner of Murray’s Diner (3 years) and as a Proud owner of Gibson’s Body Shop (17 years – from which he retired). As a lover of a variety of music, in 1985 to current, he was the owner of Twin City Records Shop 1217 Desiard Street in Monroe, Louisiana.
Because of his love for children, and his commitment to their safety, he continue to drive elementary and high school children to school as a Monroe City School Bus Driver since 1977.
GOD AND COMMUNITY:
H.P. was a faithful member of the Bright Oak Missionary Baptist Church. In the early 60’s, he continued to do GOD’S work and began to represent Monroe’s own gospel recording artists, “The Jordan Singers” as their Manager, Booking Agent, and Bass Guitarist. From this, they recorded five (5) Gospel Albums that made it to the Billboard Charts.
His Community work is also evident. He was a former member of the Monroe’s Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Monroe City Human Relations Committee. He was a Parks And Recreations Centers Committee Member, and in the 1960’s, he was a loyal participant to all of Monroe at the old “‘KLIC Radio Station” where he and the Jordan Singers were sponsors of the “Gospel Morning Show.” Since the early 70’s, he continued to volunteer his time as a community and church Co-Announcer on the “Jewel Of The Dial”, “Sis. Pearlie Tolliver Gospel Show” on Sunday Mornings at KYEA Radio Station in West Monroe, LA.
Last, but not least, he was also a proud charter member and active participant of the Martin Luther King Day Celebration since its inception.
Mr. Huey P. Gibson, Sr. is at Miller Funeral Home, 2932 Renwick St, Monroe, LA 71201. Visitation will be held at Miller’s Chapel on Friday, October 11, 2019, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held at Bright Oak Baptist Church, 3628 Cooper St, Monroe, LA 71203, on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at 1:00 pm.
