Lottie Gibson

Lottie Gibson (June 27, 1930 - December 18, 2016) was a social activist who worked with underprivileged families in Greenville, South Carolina.^[1]

Early life and education

Gibson was born in Seneca, South Carolina, the daughter of Joseph A. Beal and Pauline Harrison Beal. She had three siblings. In her early childhood her family moved to West Greenville, where Gibson resided through her adolescence.^[2]

Lottie attended Sterling High School, a historically black high school in West Greenville. Out of her three siblings, Gibson was the first to go to college. She attended West Virginia State College where she studied drama and English. While she was there she participated in student council and many other organizations.^[3] At West Virginia State College, Gibson was a founder of the NAACP youth chapter. She also pledged a sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She went on to be one of the 16 charter members and the third president of the Epsilon Tau Omega Chapter.^[2]

Family

Gibson met her husband, Dr. W. F. Gibson, while she was working for the United Service Organizations. Dr. W. F. Gibson was a dentist, and his office was in the same building as the director of the OSU.^[2] They had four children, three sons, Bill, Norman, Ken, and one daughter, Gaybriel. At the time of her death in 2016, she had 10 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.^[1]  

Gibson attributed her inspiration for going into social work from her mother, but her husband also played a large role in supporting her.^[3]

Career

Gibson’s first job out of college was a womens and girls worker at Phyllis Wheatly Community Center. She stayed there for two years before transferring to get her graduate degree at the Atlanta University School of Social work. She also worked at the Department of Social Services in Spartanburg, before receiving her graduate degree.^[3]

After receiving her graduate degree, Gibson returned to Greenville, South Carolina, and started her career at the United Service Organizations.^[3] She served as the director for over 8 years. Following this job, Gibson went on to teach at Greenville Tech, where she also served as a director of the TRiO program.^[2] She served there for over 30 years.^[4]

In addition to her teaching career, Gibson served as a chairperson on the Board of Directors of the Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources Inc.^[4] She also served District 25 on the Greenville County Council for over 25 years. There she served on various committees such as the Development Committee, Public Safety and Human Services Committee.

Gibson was also a life member of the NAACP as a freedom fighter. She was a founding member of the Democratic Women of Greenville County.^[5] Her work consisted of participating in protests, providing human resources, and advocating for rights.^[3] One of her accomplishments was her helping Martin Luther King Jr. Day being recognized as a holiday in Greenville county.^[6]

Awards and Recognition

Gibson received the Jefferson Award in recognition of her public service.^[3]

Gibson died on December 18, 2016.^[1] In that same year, the Phoenix Center, which was a treatment center for those with dependency issues, was named “Lottie Beal Gibson Center of Excellence” to honor her work aiding people who struggle with addiction.

In 2024, a bill was passed to name a portion of Highway 25 after Councilwoman Lottie B. Gibson to serve as a lasting memorial.^[4]

References