Julius Washington Gibson

Julius Washington Gibson was born May 1st, 1938, in Manning, S.C. He passed away on November 3rd, 2022, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York. “JW”, as he was affectionately known by his family, was the youngest son of the late Mabel Williams Gibson and John Henry Gibson. “JW” was the 18th child out of a total of 20 children fathered by the late John Henry Gibson.

“JW” attended Manning Training School, in Manning, SC for 1st to 12th grade from 1944-1956. He decided to leave Manning, SC to serve his country so he enlisted in the United States Army. “JW” served in the United States Army from 1956-1959 as a Radio Communications /Electronics Specialist. Shortly after his service in the military, he relocated to the New York City area and he eventually moved to Albany, NY.

“JW” was employed at Albany Medical Center, Western Electric, and General Electric. He attended Hudson Valley Community College, where he obtained his Associates Degree. He later became employed with Amtrak, as an Electrician. He was a hard worker, very driven, assertive and determined to put his education and skills to good use. While working at Amtrak, “JW” earned the nickname of “The Doc” by his co-workers due to his ability to fix anything and solve problems for his co-workers. He quickly moved up into management because of his skill set and his ability to teach, train and mentor other employees. He was able to understand the “people & personality” side of managing people. He worked at Amtrak for more than 30 plus years until he retired.

Julius married Mary Martha Robinson June 20, 1963, to this union four children were born. He had a strong sense of family, a great sense of humor and he taught his children to work hard, stay focused, save and invest money and stay true to who you are & you will always prosper in life. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family, cooking on the grill, fishing, working on cars, fixing things around the house and working in his garden. He also enjoyed taking long road trips with his wife and children to see family in various states such as South Carolina and Ohio. He was known as the neighborhood father and mentor.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Mary Gibson, his son Julius Fitzgerald (Hilda) Gibson, and his daughters Presi (Shelton) Gibson, Jennifer (Daniel) Hoffman, DeBorah (Demond) Baker and God-daughter Sara Hill. Grandchildren: Leah Blakeney, Cor’Darryl Grier, Nicco Grier, Demi Marie Baker, Gabriella Hoffman and Devin Baker. Great grandsons: Levi Virgil and Matae Hollins.

Julius leaves one remaining sister Mable Miller of Manning SC. He was predeceased by brothers Alma, David, Dawson, Hezekiah, Willie and John Allen Gibson. Sisters Martha Ridgill, Mary Bergen, Sophie Withersppon, Tera Woods, Alice Gibson, Juanita Wilson, Pearl Dixon, Phyllis Gerald, Elizabeth Clark, Emma Levine, Inez Hall and Henry Lucille Brunson. He also leaves a host of loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

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