Alton Gipson

Alton Gipson, 91 and life-long resident of the Derby community, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 7 in Hattiesburg. He was born March 8, 1931 in the family home there in Derby, the youngest of eight children to Henry Melvin and Fanney (Sones) Gipson. Alton grew up on the family farm where they operated a "truck farm". They raised all sorts of vegetables, strawberries, pecans, and much more, selling and "trucking" their products all over. Alton and his siblings were no strangers to a days work, as you might imagine. When there was some free time, they enjoyed playing outdoors, fishing, and other things for fun. Alton attended school at Derby, graduating in the late 40s, and joined the US Army. He served one term, and quickly returned to Derby after his discharge. He decided to attend Pearl River, taking carpentry classes. Alton met Jean in early 1956 and they were married just three months later. The couple made their home in Derby as well, and spent their life together there, raising their family and running the farm as well. Alton worked as a carpenter for a few years before getting a job with the US Forrest Service. He spent the next twenty years there before retiring, and promptly went to work for himself, building and remodeling houses. Alton definitely wasn't one to sit still and was always doing something. When he wasn't working on something, he did enjoy fishing, but was more often around the house tinkering on some project, like his truck, tractor, four wheeler, or whatever he could find. To relax, he enjoyed nothing more than sitting on the front porch, sipping on a cup of coffee. Alton loved gardening and his animals. He's raised hogs and cows, but even had some emu and ducks to contend with too. His gardens, well let's just say they were always "full sized", and he so enjoyed passing his knowledge of the country life along to his kids, grandchildren, and anyone who wanted to learn. From making cane syrup to building a house from the ground up, Alton knew all about it. He was a loving, caring husband and provider for his family, all of whom were so important to him. Alton will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. He was preceded by his parents, Henry and Fanney Gipson, and all of his siblings: brothers Alvin and Randall, and sisters Mendy Stewart, Zonie Stewart, Stella Faulk, Maddie Hudson, and Dovie Gipson. Left to carry on his legacy are: his loving wife and companion of sixty-six years, Jean; their children: Lavon, Melvin (Amanda Ladner-Gipson), and Roy (Meghan), all of the Derby community; three grandchildren: Abby, Valerie, and Vicky, with seven great-grands: Cheyenne, Jasmine, Alana, Zachary, Lilly, Austin, and Jayden, along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors through the years. Alton's final wishes were to be laid to rest without any fanfare, which his family is honoring. They will establish a family cemetery on the home place, where Alton spent his entire life, and wanted to be more than anywhere else. A memorial service is being set for him for Saturday, December 17th at Trinity Funeral Services in Lumberton, with times to be announced soon. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Gipson family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.