The Honorable Benjamin F. Gibson

Benjamin F. Gibson, age 89, of Gulfport, MS died Wednesday, January 13, 2021, in Gulfport. Few words can describe not only what Benjamin F. Gibson accomplished, but more importantly, who he was as a man. He was a Trailblazer, a Pioneer... a Giant Among Giants! Benjamin was born on July 13, 1931 in Safford, Alabama to Eddie and Pearlie Mae Gibson. At an early age, his parents, brother Coleman and sister Johnnie made their way up to Detroit, Michigan where he spent the majority of his childhood years. Through hard work and dedication, Ben excelled in academics, graduating with honors at the young age of 16 from Miller High School. After high school, Ben thought it best to take on the challenge of the military and spent two years in the army. Upon leaving the army, he made the decision to go back to school to further his education. He then attended Wayne State University, in Detroit, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Benjamin began his professional career at Detroit Edison, working as an accountant. Though his work was satisfying, Ben always had aspirations of entering the field of law. While holding down a fulltime job, Ben attended school at night. He earned a full ride scholarship to Detroit College of Law, graduating in 1960 with a Juris Doctorate degree. With his law degree in hand, Ben made the decision to pursue an opportunity in Lansing, Michigan with state government. He moved with his wife Lucille, whom he had met during his high school years, to the state capital to become the Assistant Attorney’s General. He held this position from 1961-1963 before taking a different role as the Assistant Prosecutor for Ingham County, Michigan -a position never held by a black professional. From there, he started his own private practice, where he would be active in the legal field and the Lansing community for the next 15 years. 1979 brought the most significant professional accomplishment for Ben. On September 26, 1979, Benjamin F. Gibson was sworn into office by the President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, as the U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of Michigan. In this position, He was one of the first black Federal Judges in the United States of America. While serving on the bench, he also elected to give back to the legal community by teaching law at Cooley Law School. He served with honor on the bench for 20 years. Benjamin F. Gibson, Judge Gibson, retired as Senior Chief Judge in 1999. After moving to a few different cities, Ben and his wife Lucille finally settled down in Gulfport, Mississippi. They quickly became a big part of the Gulfport community, and Ben decided to pursue his second passion, dancing. He started from scratch the Mississippi Ballroom Dancers. The group, which quickly grew to nearly 200 members, performed and danced all along the Mississippi Coast...from New Orleans to Pensacola. Of all of Ben’s interests and accomplishments, his most notable one was his marriage of nearly 70 years to his lovely wife Lucille. He and Lucille enjoyed raising their six children and participating in numerous community related events and activities. Ben loved traveling with his family, and playing tennis, golf and skiing up at his cottage. He had a love for cars and technology that lasted most of his life. He always made sure that he had the chance to experience everything that he wanted to experience and do. In his later years, he got tremendous joy out of talking to his grandchildren about their lives and accomplishments and having great debates about politics. Benjamin F. Gibson is survived by his wife Lucille Gibson, daughters Charlotte (Larry) Evans, Linda Reasor, Gail Junod, Carol LeFlore and Laura (Michael) Hopson, his son Gerald (Ishia) Gibson and his grandchildren, Larry, Lance, Bretton, Benjamin, Gerald, John Christopher, Ashley, Bryceton, Braegon, Bridge, Breckbrook, Dallas and Daevin. Private services will be held at a later date. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the Gibson Family.