Norman Talmadge Gibson

Norman Talmadge Gibson

Funeral services for Mr. Gibson will be held Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in Meridian, MS. Burial will follow at Damascus Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Norman Talmadge Gibson, age 80, of Damascus, MS, passed away Thursday, January 26, at the Martha Jo Leslie Veteran’s Home in Kosciusko, MS.  He was born September 26, 1936, in Kemper County, Mississippi, to James Phelon and Viva Salter Gibson.

Mr. Gibson graduated from Damascus High School and joined the United States Air Force after graduation.  Upon returning from service in Japan, he was employed at Southern Pipe and Supply, where he worked for 34 years until his retirement in 1998. He attended both Damascus Freewill Baptist Church and Big Oak United Methodist Church throughout his life, and he was active in both.  He was a long time member of the Northwest Kemper County Water Association and was active in other community organizations.

Before his health failed, he enjoyed traveling and camping with his family and friends, fishing, boating, and gardening.  Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, and he was never happier than when he was surrounded by all five of his adored grandchildren.

Mr. Gibson married Carolyn Oneta Massey on September 2, 1961, and they were married for 28 years.  She preceded him in death in February of 1989.  He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Rosie Rainer Neese, who he married on October 28, 1995.  In addition, he is survived by two sons, Greg Gibson and his wife, Mary Beth, and Doug Gibson, and his wife, Jennie; step-children, Dewayne Neese and wife, Robin, and Sewanna Neese; five grandchildren, Paul Douglas, William Harris, Avery Barrett, Eliza Burke, and Emma Myles; eight step-grandchildren; eight step-great grandchildren; two brothers, Mark Gibson of DeKalb, MS and Jerry Gibson, of Madison, MS, and a sister, Carolyn Griffin, of Tupelo, MS. Additionally, he leaves behind beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. In addition to Oneta, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wendell Gibson, a sister, Jimmie Gibson Hopper, and a granddaughter Elizabeth Caroline Gibson, step-grandson, Cecil Neese, and step-great grandson, Clayton Hankins.

Memorials can be made to Damascus Freewill Baptist Church cemetery fund.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Saturday from noon until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.