Vivian Gibson Obituary

Gibson, Vivian I. Longtime south suburban Community High School District 218 guidance counselor, Vivian I. Gibson, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2009 after a courageous, eight-month battle with cancer. She was 73-years-old. Mrs. Gibson maintained her wit, dignified spirit and firm commitment to God until her passing. Born in West Helena, AR on April 11, 1936, Vivian was the only child of Melvin D. and Teretha W. Irvin. She soon became an active member of the First C.M.E. Church of West Helena (now Pettis Memorial C.M.E. Church. Vivian graduated from Eliza Miller High School in 1954 and would go on to attend Arkansas AM & N College (now, the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff). She graduated from college in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences. Vivian also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated's graduate chapter. A firm believer that education is a lifelong process, Vivian Gibson returned to school and earned a Master's Degree in guidance and counseling from Chicago State University in 1970. Mrs. Gibson also completed additional graduate-level courses at Michigan State University. After graduating from college, Vivian returned to her community to teach history at Eliza Miller High School—a position she would hold for three years. She married her college sweetheart, Dr. John O. Gibson, in 1958 and their lifelong commitment to one another was as strong as the day they took their wedding vows, more than 51 years ago. Their union produced one son, John H. Gibson. Mrs. Gibson spent the bulk of her professional career as a guidance counselor at Dwight W. Eisenhower High School, later transferring to Alan B. Shepard High School, also in Community High School District 218. She thoroughly enjoyed her chosen profession— particularly the ability to help students with their academic and vocational options. Mrs. Gibson was a member of Chicago's Christ Universal Temple (C.U.T.) as well as the Universal Foundation For Better Living. Vivian was a living example of myriad life-affirming principles espoused by C.U.T.'s founder, Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon. Mrs. Gibson retired from District 218 in 1997, after more than 31 years of dedicated service. In addition to her husband and son, Vivian Gibson leaves behind a loving daughter-in-law, Regina Gibson, a vibrant extended family and numerous friends and former colleagues. Services have already been held.