Mrs. Jennie Gibson Irving

Jennie Gibson Irving a.k.a. "Granny Gumdrops" was born on May 9, 1920 in Manning, SC to Edmond Gibson and Susan Greene. She lost both of her parents at an early age and was raised by her aunts and grandfather, Mack Greene, on his farm in Manning. Along with her three brothers, she learned how to ride horses, milk cows, feed pigs, and tend to other farm duties. She grew from a country girl to a city girl. Jennie gave birth to her only child, Susie Mae, on May 24, 1936, and seeking better opportunities for them both, later moved to new York, NY. in the early 1950s life brought Jennie to Milwaukee, WI where she immediately found steady employment and a church home at Tabernacle Community Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Jewel L. Williams. She worked for 33 years at Milwaukee County Hospital, first starting in a custodial position and then quickly advancing to operating room technician, which she enjoyed for the greater part of her tenure at the hospital. Jennie enjoyed life and had many hobbies. She loved fishing, cooking, shopping, dressing sharp, traveling, singing, and having fun with her church friends. She would fish often with her fishing buddies at different lakes and rivers where she would catch bluegill, guppies, and rainbow trout and later cook to everyone's delight. her wedding cakes were always in demand from church members and friends, and she enjoyed making 7-up pound cakes and strawberry jams for her grandchildren. She was a sharp dresser from head to toe to fingernails, keeping her New York style all the way. She loved to travel just to experience new places but she especially loved traveling to sing with the choirs. She was fiercely independent, had a feisty spirit, and all who knew Jennie knew that she did things her way-and they loved her even more. For over 60 years, Jennie served God faithfully as a member of tabernacle Community Baptist Church, her first and only church home in Milwaukee. She joined under the leadership of the late Rev. Jewel L. Williams and continued serving under the late Rev. Robert L. Harris to the present Pastor Rev. Don Darius Butler. She loved to lift her voice to God and thus was a member of three choirs: the Gospel Chorus, the Mass Choir, and the United Ushers Choir. She put her passion for cooking and leadership to work on the Kitchen Committee. She further served in Sunday School and with the Coalition of Aging. making many friends in the church and being committed to service, Jennie was also a member of the Order of Eastern Stars. She was faithful and diligent in all of her roles in the church until her health began to fail in the last few months. Jennie Gibson Irving was blessed with 94 years on this earth before the Lord called her to Glory in the morning of September 27, 2014. She lived a long and fruitful life. When faced with painful struggles and challenges, Jennie put her hands in God's unchanging hands, knowing that He knows best even if it hurts. Always giving praise to God, Jennie was content and at peace with the journey to he heavenly home. She was a faithful servant and knew that her loved ones would be there waiting for her. Jennie was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Irving; daughter, Susie Mae Bennett Fleshman; son-in-law, Earl Fleshman; and grandson, Earl Bryant Fleshman. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory her three grandchildren, Robin Earle Fleshman, Paula Jenniver Fleshman, and Markanthony, Earl Fleshman who all called her " Granny Gumdrops" because she was sweet and tough at the same time; two great-grandchildren, Alexa Fleshman and Trevon Fleshman; goddaughters, Rose Hicks, Rev. Amanda Gray, and Desiree Joseph; closest friends, Mother Jessie Daniels and Katie Dudley; and a host of church family, friends, and relatives. "...a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." -Proverbs 31: 30-31

Mrs. Jennie Gibson Irving

May 9, 1916 - September 27, 2014