Barbara Lee Gipson

Barbara Lee Barge Gipson was the beloved child of the late Elbert Barge Sr. and Effie Campbell Barge. She was born on December 30, 1924, in Walton County, Florida and she passed away on March 30, 2026, in Davenport, Florida, at the remarkable age of 101 years old. As the oldest of eight children, Barbara was known for her strong sense of responsibility and a deep love for her family — though her siblings might even say she was a little bossy. (Smile!) Barbara attended Tivoli High School and was a lifelong learner who channeled her love of education into a career with the Walton County School System, where she served faithfully until her retirement. On September 5, 1942, Barbara married Trevis Gipson, and together they raised six children. Their home was built on a foundation of love, strong values, and high standards. Along with her husband, her life was rooted in family, and together they were committed to raising and supporting their children in a stable and loving home. Barbara and Trevis led by example by being hardworking, exhibiting strong character and moral strength, and holding high standards for themselves in the way they conducted their lives and treated others. Barbara joined Mt. Olive AME Church at an early age, where she was a devoted member for most of her life. Later in life, she moved her membership to Saint John Baptist Church. Her faith guided everything she did and everyone she touched. Barbara was a dedicated member of her community. She believed in doing what was right and doing things the right way. She was a founding member and very active with the Community Usher Board, and she was always available in service — offering support wherever it was needed and showing up for others without hesitation. For as far back as the family can remember, a meaningful part of Barbara's life was her active membership in the Order of the Eastern Star and the Heroines of Jericho, where she proudly served as both Secretary and Treasurer for over 15 years. Barbara was a very creative person who found joy in arts and crafts — crocheting, quilting, sewing, reading, and Bible study. She also loved to travel, particularly with her daughters. Among her many interests, she had a special love for math and was absolutely obsessed with genealogy, spending countless hours researching and preserving her family's history.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Trevis Gipson; her son, Warren Gipson; her daughters-in-law, Betty Gipson, Mary L. Taylor Gipson, and Dorothy Ann Gipson; her son-in-law, Claroy Campbell; and her siblings, James Barge, Elbert Barge Jr., Jinrard "Hayward or JD" Barge, Ruth Barge Brown, and Jesse Barge Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters — Delora T. Campbell (Lake Mary, Florida) and Trina S. Gipson (Atlanta, Georgia); and her sons — Chester A. Gipson (Sterling, Virginia), Trevis L. Gipson (Tampa, Florida), and Kelvin D. Gipson (Orlando, Florida). Her daughters-in-law — Linda Crawford Gipson (Fort Walton Beach, Florida), and Cherline Brundidge Gipson (Rockledge, Florida). She is also survived by her sisters, Vera Randolph and Gloria Riley (Paul) of (Panama City, Florida); her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends who loved her dearly.

A time of visitation will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1306 Macedonia Church Road, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Ernest Powell officiating.  Committal will follow at Euchee Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Barbara L. Gipson.  Please make all cards of sympathy out to the Gipson family and send in c/o Delora T. Campbell, P.O. Box 395 Winter Park, Florida 32790.

Arrangements and services will be provided by Davis-Watkins of DeFuniak Springs.