Shirley Jean Gibson

Shirley J. Whitmore Jackson Gibson, age 71, of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026. She was born on September 7, 1954, in Mason, Tennessee, to the late Katherine Price-Whitmore and Morris Whitmore.

Shirley grew up in Mason and graduated from Fayette-Ware High School. At a young age, she moved to Nashville, where she united with First Street Missionary Baptist Church. Her love for worship and music was evident from the start—she faithfully sang in several choirs during her years at First Street and poured her heart into every song.

Shirley was deeply involved in her church community. Over the years, she served with dedication in numerous ministries and organizations, including the Beautifying Club, the Trustee Board, and the Food Pantry. Her commitment to service and her compassion for others were hallmarks of her life.

Hearing the call to ministry, Shirley accepted her assignment with humility and devotion. In 1998, under the leadership of Pastor Leroy Hatchett, she was licensed and ordained to preach at First Street Missionary Baptist Church. Later, she united with Zion House of Prayer, also under Pastor Hatchett’s leadership, where she remained a faithful member before returning to First Street. Shirley also served as pastor of New Jerusalem Church for two years, dedicating herself to teaching, preaching, and nurturing the congregation.

On July 1, 2007, Shirley married Joseph Gibson, with whom she shared love, partnership, and many cherished memories.

She worked in various roles throughout her life, most recently at the Family Dollar on Jefferson Street, where she was known for her warmth, kindness, and strong work ethic until her health declined.

Music was one of Shirley’s greatest joys. In addition to her church choirs, she was a proud member of the musical group Total Redemption under the leadership of Minister of Music Charles Etter.

Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter Yolanda Whitmore; siblings Pearline (Jerry) Tucker, Joe Louis (Mildred) Whitmore, James Mack (Frankie Mae), and Clarence Whitmore; and her loving godmother Ella B. Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Joseph Gibson; her children Jacqueline DeSouza (New Jersey), Carolyn Jackson (Nashville), Walter M. Jackson (Nashville), and Ciearra Jackson (Nashville); her siblings Margaret Smith (Memphis), Mary (Ezell) Williams (Memphis), Charles (Cynthia) Whitmore (Virginia), Earnest (Mary) Whitmore (Atlanta), Carolyn (Alvin) Oneal (Memphis), and Clementine Whitmore (Memphis). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Shirley J. Whitmore Jackson Gibson will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her powerful voice, her deep love for ministry, and her generous, compassionate spirit. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched.