Juanita M. Gibson

Juanita M. Gibson, age 87, passed away on August 6, 2012. Born in Miami, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Tillie M. and P.B. Gibson who adopted her as a three day old infant and who showered her with love, affection, attention, encouragement and support every day of their lives. She was predeceased also by a cousin, Marietta Daniels Brinson who was a real “sister” to her; a cousin, Claudia Daniels Jackson; a surrogate nephew, Eric Johnson; and by Mary Virginia Alexander, a loving friend, colleague and business partner who lived with the Gibson family for forty years. Juanita graduated from Miami Senior High School and earned a Bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority; a Masters degree from Florida State University; and a PhD from the University of Michigan. With the exception of two years serving as an Administrative Assistant to the late Florida Secretary of State Tom Adams, her career was primarily devoted to higher education. From 1949 until 1961, she taught Political Science and Public Administration at Florida State University. From 1963 until 1969, she served as Administrative or Executive Assistant to three Florida State University presidents including the late Dr. John E. Champion who was a champion in more than name. After resigning from FSU, she served for a short period of time as Assistant Director for Consumer Affairs under Doyle E. Conner, Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. She next served as the Staff Director for the Senate Committee on Higher Education. She concluded her career in education by serving as the Equal Access, Equal Opportunity Coordinator for the Florida Community College System under the late Dr. Lee G. Henderson, Director, who was a close personal friend, a surrogate brother, and an inspiring leader. For many years, Juanita was a member and officer of The League of Women Voters, The American Association of University Professors, The Florida State University Faculty Senate, the Girl Scout Council, and the Pilot Club of Tallahassee, She also was a member of several national professional associations. She served as a delegate from Florida to the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Juanita was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee. While Juanita served in a variety of professional positions, her true love was teaching. Her strong interest in each student was obvious, and many of them maintained contact with her throughout the years. They included a former Governor; a Secretary of State who also served as Attorney General; a State Senate President and several members of the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives; a Circuit Judge; a number of high ranking State employees; teachers and educational consultants; attorneys; and, several city managers. She took great pride in their success and remembered them with affection. Juanita is survived by a special cousin Mrs. Stanley (Betty Lou) Schwartz; Betty Lou’s daughter Carol Mumford and Carol’s family, all of Jacksonville, Florida; by cousins Jerry Jackson (Alice) and Mrs. Steve (Patricia) Jackson and their families of Macon, Georgia; several other cousins in Michigan; her two “adopted daughters”, Cynthia P. Morningstar, of Tallahassee, and Reazonda “Rhonda” Smith, who were as deeply embedded in her heart as if they truly were her own; and, by her beloved shelter mutt, Button, who meant so much to her and gave her such great pleasure for so many years. In addition to her love and affection for her family, Juanita cared so deeply for the following people who have touched her life in so many significant ways: Lillie P. Goodson and family; Frank Williamson and family; Betty and the late Lee G. Henderson; Carole and Jim Smith; Bill Trapnell, Gail Trapnell; Bobby Bethea; Patricia and the late Miley Miers; Wilma Wiggs; Sarah, Jim and Derek Carraway; Becky and Matt Burke; Debbie and Michael Henderson and family; Karen and Rick Belcher; and, the late Dr. Jean W. Gentry; the late Dr. John Lincoln; Dr. Jessee L. Judelle, Dr. Joel Kramer, Dr. Davide Hood, Dr. David Saint, Dr. John Gray., Dr. Jean Paul Tran, and Dr. Stephen Richardson and Dr. Phillip Sharp and their staffs for their excellent care and unusual kindness to her throughout the years. She also appreciates the wonderful care provided by Cynthia, her private duty staff, along with Big Bend Hospice, The Hopewell Agency and Elder Care meals on wheels. A service will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2012, 2:00 P.M. at Bevis Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a private burial at Oakland Cemetery. Bevis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. It was Juanita’s expressed hope that any who might desire to remember her make a donation to a charity of their choice in her memory.

Tributes

Juanita M. Gibson

April 15, 1925 - August 6, 2012