Gussie Young

Gussie Beatrice Young's life began on February 6, 1927, when she was born to the late Fred and Critty Davis Lewis in Union County, Arkansas.

Gussie surrendered her life to Christ as a young child under the leadership of Rev. Edgar Porchia at Sweet Home Baptist Church. She served on the Junior Usher Board, Sunday School Secretary, and B.T.U. President and was active in any capacity where service was needed. She graduated from Smackover Training School in Arkansas in 1945. Gussie eventually relocated to Oakland, California.

During her time in Oakland, Gussie earned a living by working as a Dietitian and Cafeteria Supervisor. She was joined in holy matrimony to Odell Johnson (deceased). Her second marriage was to Roy Joseph Young (deceased). No children were born to either union. Gussie continued her Christian service at Grace Temple Baptist Church under Rev Willie Carter. She faithfully served as Usher Board President and in Education and Women Ministries of the church all while making heavenly homemade yeast rolls as she served on the Kitchen Committee. She was also an active member of Rebeakah #44 Order of Eastern Star and was the Oakland City Council Treasurer. She also was a licensed dietitian and was a supervisor at Lincoln School.

Later in years (1989), Gussie returned to her roots in Smackover, AR, and reunited, where she first accepted Christ at Sweet Home Baptist Church. Again, she continued her Servant obedience by serving as a Deaconess and Mission Society Member.

Throughout her life, Gussie's love for travel was only surpassed by her love for serving others. She found joy in cooking for anyone in the community, a testament to her generous and caring nature.

Our beloved, Gussie Beatrice Young, fell asleep in Jesus arms on July 24, 2024.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Critty Davis Lewis; spouses Odell Johnson and Roy Joseph Young; Stepdaughter Rita Mae Johnson; brothers Fred Lewis Jr., Buck Lewis, Hosea Lewis, Simon Lewis, and Willie Davis; and sisters Annie Lee Lewis, Mary Lee Lewis, Gladys Turner, and Ellen Irene Ranson.

She is survived by her Stepdaughter, Noami Guy (Oakland, CA), and Sisters Critty (Jimmy Sr.) Doss, Little Rock, AR; Mandy (Sammie-deceased) Brown, Smackover, AR; Hattie (Johnny-deceased) Ford, Smackover, AR; and a host of Stepgrandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, Family, and Friends.