Benford Gibson Obituary

It is with profound sorrow and a sense of immeasurable loss that we announce the passing of Benford Gibson affectionately known as Silver amongst friends, Sweet Papa G or Paw Paw amongst family. Born in Lovelady Texas, on January 16, 1939, Benford was a beacon of resilience, humanity, and warmth. He departed from us on April 24, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, generosity, and inspiration that will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing him. As the great Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Benford personified this quote in every aspect of his life.
Benford was the embodiment of dedication and hard work. For many years, he served the City of Austin in the aviation sector, consistently demonstrating his commitment to his community and his unwavering passion for his work. While working he received "High Flyer Award". He worked at the airport until he retired in 2002. Ben enjoyed fishing with his GU Brothers, cooking for family and friends. He also loved cruising with his family, with his last voyage on Carnival Breeze in January 2024. His spirit, like a plane soaring through the sky, was always high, whether he was navigating the complexities of his profession or cultivating the beautiful garden of love at his residence (he was an excellent cook) with a great sense of humor in Austin, Texas. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer," Harriet Tubman once said. "Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Benford was that dreamer, always reaching for the stars and inspiring others to do the same.
Benford was a beloved husband, a pillar of strength, and a friend to everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Gibson and Louiser Green. One son Victor Gibson. Sisters, Francis Pearson, Edna Price, LaVerne Lawrence, Ira Gibson and Claudia Limbs.
Ben leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Thelma Josephine Gibson; sons,
Benford Gibson, Jr. (Joan), Calvin Gibson and Paul Gibson (Tiffany); daughters, Cheryll
Evette Gibson and Vanessa Slider; Sisters, Angelina Limbs and Caroline Limbs; step
children, Clynisse Sterling, Charles Sterling, Sylvia Fulton (Patrick), Nikki Johnson
(Christopher), Albert Crittendon, Jr.; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
nieces, nephews, relatives and friends
The love he shared with his family and the profound impact he had on his community will forever be remembered. A public visitation for Benford will be held at the Greater Union Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2939 Pecan Springs Road, Austin, Texas, 78723, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CDT. This will be followed by a funeral service at the same location at 11:00 a.m. CDT.
We invite you all to share your cherished memories of Benford on his memorial page. Your stories, pictures, and tributes will serve as a testament to his extraordinary life. Benford Gibson may have taken his final flight, but his spirit continues to soar, leaving a trail of inspiration for us all. As we remember him, let his life serve as a reminder to us all to reach for the stars, just as he did.