Doretha L. Gibson

 Doretha L. Gibson, was born  on November 17th, 1923 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to Azalee James and Jeff Willis, Sr.  

Doretha peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on October 9th, 2019 at the Riverside Nursing Facility in Riverside, Missouri.  Doretha was preceded in death by both parents; one daughter, Sandra K. Page; two sons, Billy R. Gibson and Robert "Bobby" Gibson; two brothers, Leroy Willis and Jeffrey Willis, Jr.; one sister, Mayetta Smith and her beloved grandson, Michael L. Page.

Doretha attended Booker T. Washington High School in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.  In 1952, Doretha relocated to Kansas City, Missouri.  Soon after her arrival in Kansas City, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and united with the Park Avenue Church of the Nazarene and later moved her membership to St. Stephens Baptist Church, Kansas City, Missouri.  Doretha was employed as a head cook for Lucian's Restaurant for many years, where she worked until her retirement.

Doretha was the Matriarch of the family and God allowed her to see 95 wonderful years ans was lovingly and affectionately known as "Big Mamma"; to know her was to love her.  Big Mamma never met a stranger and would hold conversation with anyone.  Big Mamma often provided childcare for close friends and family when needed.  If you were hungry, Big Mamma would feed you.  If you needed advice, she would definitely give it to you, whether you wanted to hear it or not.  Big Momma was a mother to the motherless and a friend to the friendless.  If Big Momma hadn't seen you in a long time, she would say " I didn't know that your skin could stretch like that" (this was her way of letting you know that you needed to lose weight.  (It was so funny).  Big Momma had a sense of humor, a kind spirit ans was respected and loved by many.  Her influence, knowledge and wisdom will forever remain in the lives of her children, grandchildren and those who knew and loved her.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Rose M. Gibson-Carter (Edward)  of Kansas City, Kansas, Cordell (Cheryl) Gibson (Cheryl)  of Arlington, TX, Gregory W.  Gibson and Marlin "Randy" Gibson both of Kansas City, MO.  Grandchildren: Kimberly, Edward "Trae", Lamar, Dana, Tonya, Sonya, Shawn, LaDonna, Dwayne, Cordell, Jr. Anthony,  Kwame, Carl Wayne, David Jamal and Jeff.  Special devoted loved ones: Pastor David Lee, Shawn Page, Pam Smith and Lisa; a host of grandchildren, great Grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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