Ms. Sylvia Gibson

Sylvia Maude Brown-Gibson was born December 9, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri to Cassia B. Brown and Lucille McElroy Brown. Sylvia attended A Hucks Elementary and Benjamin Banneker, R. T. Coles and Lincoln High School. She graduated in 1957 from Lincoln High School. She was an exemplary student at all schools. Banneker School – Student Council member, Mayor of the school, choir and honor roll. R. T. Coles – Class officer, Vice-President Student Council and honor roll. Lincoln High – Honor Roll, National Honor Roll, four years class officer, AKA Sorority, American CoEd Club, Choir four years, Kansas City, Missouri University Women’s Club, one of two black members. After high school, attended University of Kansas, Penn Valley Community School, Longview Community College, Maple Woods Community College. Sylvia was employed at Hartfield’s from 1957 to 1964 – accounting, credit department and sales audit supervisor. The Gas Service Company, now Missouri Gas Energy – 1964-1994 – First African American Employee Supervisor – Billing Services, Telephone Departments, Manager Public Business Office, Coordinated many employees’ activities. Retired, ultimately after thirty and half years. Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels 1994 – 2017. Never content to just sit at home after retirement. Sylvia was exofacial of the Greater Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, Missouri in 1990. The only African-American to be elected to this position. Previously served as Vice-President and a Board member of the Chamber – Honorary Lita Member. Founding member of Blacks In Energy Chapter of Kansas City, Missouri; Advisory board member of The Urban League of Kansas City; Member of the Top Notch Team of the Urban league of Kansas City, Missouri; Advisory Board member of Mark Twain Bank; Board member of the Rehabilitation Institute; Board member of The YWCA; Advisory Board member of Bloch School of business UMKC. Sylvia received the American Business Women Association United Way of Kansas City Gentlemen of Distinction and countless other honors. She volunteered at the United Negro College Fund American Jazz Museum. Sylvia’s employment at Kansas City’s premiere luxury retailer, Hartfield’s, Missouri Gas Energy, and Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel brought professionalism to every job and project. She left an indelible mark in the lives of her bosses, counter partners, the employees she supervised and the hundreds of people in the community for whom she was the face and voice of the companies. She had tenacity and moral fortitude. The proudest accomplishment for Sylvia was being the only African-American President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, Missouri. An organization that was found in 1924. With this privilege came responsibility with the Chamber and added responsibilities with the Greater Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, becoming an exofficio and membership to various other civic boards. She had a stellar record during her term. Following a successful career with Missouri Gas Energy, Sylvia’s final position at the invitation of a high school friend, was with The Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. There she exemplified total commitment assisting the general public. The rewards were great both directly and indirectly. Sylvia was Pentecostal, third generation of the historic Barker Temple Church of God in Christ, on 17th and Highland, Kansas City, Missouri. Sylvia will be sorely missed both professionally and personally. Sylvia leaves to cherish her memories daughter, Patricia Elaine Gibson Robinson; grandchild, Bradon Edward Gibson; great grandchildren, McKenzie Gibson, Braydon Gibson; sister, Ermalana Delores Trant; a host of family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, 11am at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Interment Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation from 9am-11am at the chapel. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Sylvia Gibson

December 9, 1938 - October 23, 2024