Mary Emma Harrell Gibson was born in Decatur County, Georgia on Christmas Day, December 25, 1912.

She was reared and attended public schools in Decatur County.

At age 11 she joined the St. Andrews M.B. Church located Southeast of Climax, under the pastorate of Rev. John King.

After completing public school in Decatur County she enrolled in what was then called Florida A&M College, Tallahassee, Florida, where she received certification in beauty culture. She built a beauty shop next to her home where she successfully operated for 30 years.

Mary Emma served in various capacities on her farm, in the community and in the church. As a substitute driver, she was the first African American female to drive school bus in Decatur County, going on later to become a regular.

She served St. Andrews M.B. Church as Mother and as Deaconess. As a member of the Mt. Zion Association, she became 5th Sunday Mission President. She also served as secretary for the Association for 20 years. After losing her vision, she resigned from the position.

She was the mother of one son, Felix McNair Sr. and the devoted wife of Deacon Ben Gibson, both deceased. She reared nine grandchildren and presently lives with the oldest one, Geraldine and her husband Vernon Screen on Gibson Road, Climax.

She is still alert.

We wish her a Happy 103rd Birthday.