Addie Rebecca "Rebe" Harrison- Gipson was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 17, 1954 to the union of Leonard and Martha Harrison, both of whom preceded her in death. Addie most affectionately known as Rebe was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, the fourth youngest of ten siblings, aunt, cousin and a friend to anyone she met.
Addie attended Harlan High School, Olive Harvey College and studied Business at Dawson Trade School.
In 1970 Addie conceived Maurice David Butts Jr. 'Cup' as she called him was the wind beneath her wings. She gave him life and he later gave her a chance at life though his donation of bone marrow. A few days before her demise the results came back free of Leukemia. He was truly bone of her bone and flesh of her flesh.
As fate would have it in 1976 Addie met Larry Gipson, the love of her life, and fell deeply in love. Addie and Larry later united in marriage February 6, 1982.
Addie was a business woman and along-side of her husband the couple ran 5 concession stands at Soldier Field, in Chicago, IL for 15 years. During this 15 year time span in 1993, Addie moved with her family to Cleveland, OH and continued her entrepreneurial career. Addie helped bring Wise Potato Chips to the Ohio area as the co-founder of "Gipson Distributors, Inc.". After 15 years of running that business she then co-founded "The Dog House Restaurant", specializing in Chicago Style hotdogs and were rated number one in for Italian beef in Ohio which the couple ran for 10 years.
After a successful career in business Addie retired for about six months and realized she needed more to do with her time. She wanted to stay active, and decided to work at Home Depot where she was employed until her health began to fail.
Addie was the life of the party and a light to any room she entered. She was a creative at heart, and known for baking butter cookies and German chocolate cakes. Not only could she bake but she was a crafter, painter and interior designer which is evident throughout her home. Addie was a fashion icon and considered herself a DIVA.
Addie departed this life Friday, January 6, 2023. Addie leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 40 years, Larry Gipson, son Maurice Butts (Annie), three step-children, Lawrence, Sharon and Bernard, nine siblings Leonard Harrison Jr. (who preceded her in death), Erma Williams, Willie James Harrison Sr., Kassandra Obaebor, Arlinda Harrison, Leonard Harrison III, Venese Regan, Sylvester Harrison Sr. (Gwendolyn), and David Gene Harrison Sr.. She also leaves two Grandchildren, Kierra and Malik Butts, one great grandchild, Naomi Henderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. From Chicago to Cleveland friends became family and family remained friends.
Saturday, January 21, 2023
12:30 - 2:30 pm (Eastern time)
Watson's Funeral Home
Livestream
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