The Rev. Malachi Gibson

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The Rev. Malachi Gibson, 65, husband of Sandra Scott Gibson of Charleston, died entered into enteral rest on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

Born on Sept. 1, 1950, in Mayesville, he was a son of Pattie Jefferson Gibson and the late Clarence Gibson Sr.

Besides his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence Gibson Jr.; and a sister, Julia Williams.

He attended school in Sumter County and was a 1970 graduate of Eastern High School. He furthered his education at Saint Augustine College in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in history and government. He also attended South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, where he received a master of arts degree in guidance and counseling. The Rev. Gibson's passion to further his spiritual development and knowledge in religion drove him to also obtain his master of divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. With two master degrees under his belt, the Rev. Gibson also received his specialist certification in administration from the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

Early in his career, he began working at Georgia-Pacific and also Charleston's International Longshoreman Association 1442. He later transitioned into a successful, 30-year career with the South Carolina Public School System in Lee and Clarendon counties, serving in various roles such as bus superintendent, teacher, and guidance counselor to principal. He also diligently served as a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, leading members at New Hope AME in Aynor; St. Peter AME Church in Cool Springs; Mt. Zion AME Church in Greeleyville; Society Hill AME Church in Manning; and his last faithful charge, Historic Trinity AME Church in Manning. At an early age, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, was baptized and joined Ebenezer AME Church in Mayesville.

He humbly served in many leadership capacities within several organizations: he was the proud president of the Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; worked diligently with the South Carolina Democratic Party as a poll leader; a dedicated board member for Emergency Awareness Board of Sumter and Florence counties; spiritually and faithfully served as a faculty member of the board of examiners for the Manning District; finance committee member for Manning District; and also passionately served as the chair of the Manning AME District Annual Banquet.

Survivors besides his loving wife and mother include four children, Michelle Blanding of Sumter, Terell Gibson of Slidell, Louisiana, and Kyshia Gibson and Brian Gibson, both of Snellville, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Tiairra Smith (Cedric), Zelman Whitlow, lJalen Whitlow and Christopher Blanding, all of Sumter, William Valencia of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kyon Gibson-Spio and Kyli Gibson, both of Snellville; three precious great-grandchildren, Treyvon Smith and Samyah Smith, both of Sumter, and Aniyah Valencia of Charlotte; four godchildren, Lisa Dixon of Conyers, Georgia, Kandis Gibson of Mayesville, Kristen Gregg of Darlington and Gainful Canty of Manning; six siblings, George Gibson (Sara), Jessie Washington (Robert), Irene Gibson and William Gibson (Lillie), all of Mayesville, James Gibosn of Raleigh and Wilhelmena Washington of Timmonsville; a brother-in-law, George Scott (Doretha) of Charleston; a sister-in-law, Apostle Willete Scott-Ash of Charleston; and a number of nieces, nephews, uncle, cousins and friends.

The Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity will conduct their Omega Service starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, immediately followed by the wake and viewing service at Historic Trinity AME Church, 39 W. Rigby St. in Manning.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2016, at the Morris College Neal-Jones Auditorium, 100 W. College St. in Sumter, with Elder Eddie Gaston Jr. delivering eulogy, and the Rev. Phillip Washington officiating. Other assisting members of clergy will include the Rev. Robert China, the Rev. Harry Wilson and Apostle Willette Scott-Ash.

The family is currently receiving relatives and friends at the home, 314 Church St. in Sumter.

The Rev. Gibson's earthly body will be placed in the auditorium at 2 p.m.

The funeral procession will leave from Morris College.

Nieces will serve as floral bearers, while nephews will serve as pallbearers.

His dear fraternal brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. will also serve as honorary pallbearers.

Burial will follow in Mayesville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home, 314 Church St. in Sumter.

These services were entrusted to Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning.