A house RESOLUTION

To cherish the memory of Sarah Deas Gibson and the Honorable George Roosevelt Gibson and to extend the deepest sympathy to their family and many friends.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sarah Deas Gibson on November 28, 2023, and the passing of George Roosevelt Gibson on December 25, 2023; and

Whereas, Sarah Deas Gibson was born on April 19, 1947, to the late Arthur and Mamie Green Deas in Sumter. She was raised in a Christian home by loving parents who instilled in her a love of God and others. She began her Christian journey at Grant Hill Missionary Baptist Church but after marriage she joined Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1965 and went on to spend time in Portland, Oregon, pursuing educational options before returning home to Sumter. In Sumter, she began her career at Exide/Yuasa Battery where she was employed for over thirty years. After retirement she worked as an office administrator at Hands of Grace Nursing Services and also as a clerk for the Mayesville Municipal Court. The master coordinator of all family excursions, she loved life, shopping, and her family; and

Whereas, George Roosevelt Gibson was born on April 20, 1944, to the late Clarence L. Gibson, Sr. and Pattie Jefferson Gibson in Mayesville. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1962 and attended Morris College before joining the United States Air Force. As an Air Force Reservist, he continued his studies at Morris College obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in education. He later earned a master's degree in education from South Carolina State University. He began his career as an educator for the Sumter County School District as a teacher, later becoming an assistant principal and principal. Gibson served twenty-five years in the Air Force Reserve and retired from education in 1999 after thirty years. In retirement he became a coordinator of Willow Glen Academy but changed plans to pursue a career as a magistrate judge. In this role, Judge Gibson served Sumter and Lee counties until he retired in 2016. Judge Gibson served his community as an esteemed member of numerous boards and organizations, among them the Tuomey Board of Trustees, Wateree Community Action, Mayesville Educational Foundation, the Delta Kappa Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Mayesville Area Community Coalition, Ebenezer AME Harvest Hope, and he was a lifetime member of the NAACP; and

Whereas, George Gibson and Sarah Deas met and married in 1970, a union of marital bliss they shared for fifty-three years that grew to include two beautiful children. They would go on to travel the world and enjoy life, their children, grandchildren, and extended family; and

Whereas, the couple leaves to treasure their memory one son, Sirion Dale (Tonya) Gibson; one daughter, Ebony Deas; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, family, and friends. They will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, cherish the memory of Sarah Deas Gibson and the Honorable George Roosevelt Gibson and extend the deepest sympathy to their family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sarah Deas Gibson and the Honorable George Roosevelt Gibson.

----XX----