Rev. Derwin D. Gipson

Reverend Derwin D. Gipson has served as pastor for more than 45 years though out Central Texas. He was called to the ministry in 1974, in the Central Texas Conference while attending Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Taylor, Texas. He was ordained a Deacon in 1977 by Bishop John Hurst Adams. In 1982, he was ordained an Elder by Bishop Henry Wendel Murph. His appointments as Deacon and Itinerant Elder have placed him in Central, North, West and Southwest Texas Conferences. In addition, he has served Delegate and Alternate Delegate in numerous General Conferences representing the 10th Episcopal District during his ministry, along with being selected for several committees (Ministerial Efficiency, etc.). He hosted the 122nd Session of the West Texas Annual Conference in 1993 at the completion of the successful renovation of the historic Paul Quinn A. M. E. Church in Bastrop, Texas.

Reverend Gipson has devoted the last 30 years to leadership of the Saint Annie African Methodist Episcopal church family. He has truly been a good shepherd; Moreover, to his pastoral duties. Reverend Gipson demonstrates his sincere desire to help others through his tenured employment with Pendergrass-People's Mortuary in Smithville, Texas. In 2009, he became owner of this renowned establishment as Gipson-Pendergrass-People's Mortuary (G.P.P.M., L.L.C.). Reverend Gipson is a graduate of Dallas Institute of Funeral Services, and he attended the Austin Graduate School of Theology.

Family was important to him. His wife Deborah of 41 years of marriage this March, his daughter Driann and son Derwin II (Cecilia) who will always cherish his memories; along with his grandson Drew and God grandsons Raunel and Julian.

He is the eight child of fifteen children born to his parents John Willie Jr. and Dorothy Sue Gipson. Seven sisters: Cynthia Bell of San Francisco, California, June Greene (Rev. Willie Greene) of Temple, Texas, Rhonda Conner of Starkville, Mississippi, Rubye Floyd and Deanna Gipson of Taylor, Texas, Andrea Harper of Atlanta, Georgia and Regina Lishey (Royce) of Austin, Texas. Three brothers, Reginald Gipson of Austin, Texas, John Gipson III of Taylor, Texas, and Sterling Simms III of Austin, Texas. Along with a host of loving and caring brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many many others from all "walks of life".

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

Isaiah 43:16

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