On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, God called one of his faithful and devoted warriors off the battlefield and home to glory.

Johnnie Mae Gibson was born to Lincoln (Lank) and Leona Lee Harrison on March 1, 1940 in Sulphur Springs, Texas. She attended Sulphur Springs Public Schools and accepted Christ at an early age. On December 17, 1963, she was united in marriage to the late Lemuel Gibson, Sr. To this union, three children were born, two preceding her in death.

Johnnie moved to Topeka, Kansas and worked cleaning offices. She later became employed at Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a clerk and remained there until her retirement March 14, 2003. Johnnie helped start a group in the community called Progressive Action which provided assistance to those in need. She volunteered to help with the Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005. She always wanted to be a blessing to the community and those in need. Johnnie devoted most of her time as a foster care parent for over 40 years, helping more than 100 girls make positive improvements in their lives. She had a special love for each of them. Johnnie was the recipient of several awards and honors for her work in the community including her work as a foster care parent.

Johnnie was a member of True Light Church Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Gregory D. Durant where she rededicated her life and was baptized. She was a faithful member and director of kitchen services serving until her health would no longer allow.

In her spare time Johnnie enjoyed going fishing, watching the Lifetime Network and Family Feud. She loved welcoming family and friends into her home especially on Sundays after church and holidays. Johnnie followed in her mother “Big Mama's" footsteps who loved having a house full of those whom she loved.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Leona Lee Harrison; son, Lemuel Jay Gibson, Jr.; daughter, Jacqueline Irene; sisters, Charlene Wright, Mary Ella White, Katie Ford, Fayola Harrison, Lennis Irene Garrett; brother, Cleon Harrison; Goddaughter, Yolanda Baylor.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories: daughters, Jacqueline (Shad) Buffett, Addie King, Ivory Gibson, Katherine (Frederick) Evans; sister, Evelyn Golden; brother, Archur Ben Harrison; best friend, Shirley Edwards; adopted son, Steve Struble; 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and foster girls that she claimed as her own.

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