Lottie Gibson

Lottie Gibson (June 27, 1930 - December 18, 2016) was an American social activist who worked with underprivileged families in Greenville, South Carolina.

Early life and education Gibson was born in Seneca, South Carolina, the daughter of Joseph A. Beal and Pauline Harrison Beal. She had three siblings. In her early childhood her family moved to West Greenville, where Gibson resided through her adolescence.

Lottie attended Sterling High School, a historically black high school in West Greenville. Of her three siblings, Gibson was the first to go to college. She attended West Virginia State College where she studied drama and English and participated in student council and many other organizations. Gibson was a founder of the NAACP youth chapter there. She also pledged a sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. She became one of the 16 charter members and the third president of the Epsilon Tau Omega Chapter.

Gibson served as a chairperson on the Board of Directors of the Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources Inc.

Gibson was a life member of the NAACP as a freedom fighter. She was a founding member of the Democratic Women of Greenville County. Her work consisted of participating in protests, providing human resources, and advocating for rights.

Awards and recognition Gibson received the Jefferson Award in recognition of her public service.

Gibson died on December 18, 2016. In that same year, the Phoenix Center, which was a treatment center for those with dependency issues, was named “Lottie Beal Gibson Center of Excellence” to honor her work aiding people who struggle with addiction.

In 2024, a bill was passed to name a portion of Highway 25 after Councilwoman Lottie B. Gibson to serve as a lasting memorial.