OBITUARY
Kathryn Renee Jackson-Gipson (affectionately known as Kathy) was born on August 5, 1957, in Oakland, California. She was the fourth child and only daughter born to Ellis and Ruth Mary Jackson. She was blessed to have three older brothers and one younger brother: Ellis Ray, Ronald, Reginald, and Kenneth. During her wonder years she cherished her family, especially her big brothers as they protected her, and she protected her little brother.
At an early age, Kathy developed a love for the Lord and confessed Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She was baptized by Rev. Claude Murray at North Oakland Baptist Church and this was the beginning of her lifelong love of the Lord!
Kathy later joined Community Baptist Church under the late Dr. Frank B. Poole. However, after many years of service, she moved her membership and joined other family members at Grace Baptist Church and later East Bay Bible Church (EBBC) both under the leadership of the late Dr. M. Donel Reedus. She remained a committed member at EBBC under the teaching of her brother, Pastor Ronald Jackson Sr., and her nephew, Pastor Derek L. Jackson. Kathy served in the following ministries: Women’s, Covenant Keeper’s, Married Couples, and the Praise Team. She enjoyed spending time reading the Word, building a personal relationship with the Lord, and singing gospel songs. She loved the Lord with all her heart and always encouraged family members to make sure they knew the Lord for themselves.
In her youth, Kathy enjoyed having fun playing with dolls, as well as playing baseball and kickball in the big field with her cousins and neighborhood friends Cynthia and Tina Williams. Kathy also took pleasure in traveling together with Cynthia, her BFFL, from childhood to adulthood.
Kathy attended Castlemont High School where she found a love in cheerleading. After graduation, she studied at The College of Alameda College. Thereafter, Kathy worked at the University of California (Continuing Education of the Bar) as an Administrator in Oakland, CA. She developed many friendships over the years and after 32 years of service she retired in June 2014.
Kathy married Melvin Clyde Gipson and together they enjoyed a blended family of three children: Jason, Miesha, and Ina. She was a dedicated wife and mother. The family relocated to Tracy, CA, where she cared for Melvin until God called him home. She became active in local politics, community service, and advocacy for the homeless. She often participated in fundraisers for various nonprofit organizations.
Family was especially important in her household. Every Friday night they gathered to play board games and cards until all were tuckered out. She spent as much time as she could with the entire family, making it a point to always attend family events and functions. When Kathy was not spoiling her grandchildren, she enjoyed jetting off on road trips with her brothers and their wives. Wherever the destination, all of the trips started and ended with laughter and love (no matter the conversation). She also genuinely enjoyed laughing, joking, and being teased by the brothers while driving to various destinations. Kathy also looked forward to the annual road trip she attended with her “Church Sisters”.
Kathy had a good spirit, a heart of gold, and a smile that would light up an entire room. She had a laugh that was VERY contagious, and she gave the BEST. HUGS. EVER. Kathy also loved to cook (she made a BOMB potato salad).
Kathy transitioned to be with the Lord on July 26, 2020, at Kaiser Hospital in Modesto, CA. She fought a good fight and we can rest assured she left this earth knowing that her house was in order!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Ruth Jackson, and her husband Melvin Clyde Gipson. Family members who love her, will miss her, and cherish her memory include her devoted children: Jason Wiggins and Miesha Gipson (both of Tracy, CA) and Ina Styles (Atlanta, GA); seven grandchildren: Tiyana, Jada, O’Shae, Javione, Ivan, Isaiah, and Jayden; four devoted brothers: Ellis Ray Jackson (Stephanie) Hayward, CA; Ronald Jackson (Jann) Tracy, CA; Reginald Jackson (Ella), Dublin, CA; and Kenneth Jackson, San Francisco, CA; four nieces: Kasha (Anthony), Shavakí, Porsche, and Brigée; four nephews: Ronald (April), Marcus, Derek (Nasinet), and Andre; God-daughter, Ambrey Young; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, her life-long friend Cynthia Chess, and her East Bay Bible Church family.
In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2 (KJV)
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kathryn Renee Gipson, please visit our floral store.