Giovana Brabson Kingsberry
11/03/1956 – 09/30/2021
Obituary for Giovana Brabson Kingsberry
The Life the Legacy and Times of Giovana Brabson Kingsberry
Giovana, was born on November 3, 1956. She grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee with her parents, Hobert and Wilma Brabson. She was the oldest of four siblings; sisters Keira and Sherola and her two younger brothers, Hobert and Ronnie. She attended Mountain View and Fair Garden Elementary School; Park Jr. High and Holston High School. She received a full musical scholarship to Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN, there she earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Music Education. She went on to further her education by earning two (2) Masters Degrees in Secondary Education and Curriculum and Instruction. One of her Thesis provided research and evidence that supported the importance of music and every area of our lives. She began work on her PH.D. at Milligan College in Middle Tennessee. She spent most her life in Europe with an extended supportive family.
As a wife and mother, Gigi married Myron Kingsberry, the love of her life, partner and friend. Together they raised 5 children, Curtis, Cameron, Janay, Jamael and Marcia. Adopted Sisters, Sequin Lee and Ty Young. Proceeded in life by daughter Tunisia and Father, Hobert W. Brabson Sr. extended family, the Whitakers and Mr. Vance.
As a Child, she began her performance career by arranging shows with her siblings to entertain her family. She choregraphed the steps and arranged the songs and even designed the costumes when performing as the Supremes, her little brother was always James Brown. She wrote her first play about the baby Jesus when she was only 12 years old. Her first poem in the 7th grade. She even produced shows featuring the kids in our neighborhood at Chilhowee Park. At fourteen she was crowned the first Miss Black Teen-Aged Tennessee. She loved home economics and was an excellent cook. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends, even until her final days she loved to entertain.
As a Classically Trained Opera singer, her journey began at Holston High School under the direction of Albert Rule. At 14 years old she sang the break out song, “When Thou Comest” We were all shocked and surprised to hear this big voice come out of this petite body. After college, she sang all over Europe in front of Dignitaries, to standing ovations in Cathedrals and stages. As the lead singer in numerous bands, she sang back-up and performed with Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Tom Jones and many more. She directed gospel choirs throughout Europe with diverse cultural back-grounds. She directed some of the most talent singers and musicians from around the world, no matter where she was, she was singing. She was quick to learn parts and hear rhythms and could memorize the words in very little time, she was gifted in all genres, Opera, R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Rock and Roll.
As a Teacher for over 40 years for the Department of Defense, she taught thousands of students in band, chorus, gave many private lessons, wrote and directed many plays. Her middle school bands were so good, they stopped competing because they won all the awards. Voted teacher of the year, she was tuff, didn’t take no stuff. She was small in stature but meant what she said and was not afraid to back it up.
While in Knoxville, awaiting a kidney transplant, she briefly taught music at Maynard and Lonsdale Elementary Schools for two years. One fond memory was from one of her students at Lonsdale Elementary who recognized her charisma and flare and asked her the questions, “Is you on BET?” Which she replied, “not is, but are you on BET?” Her children loved her in the Knox County School System.
She loved life and lived 3 life times in one She was admired and respected. She was determined, fearless and curious about everything and she could do just about anything She had a passion unmatched to bring out the best in people. She made friends quickly. Her family, friends and students were her top priority. She was an excellent cook and wonderful hostess, she entertained frequently and all were welcomed in her home. It was a non-judgement zone. She traveled extensively and regularly with her family. They traveled throughout Europe, Japan, the Islands and spent summer vacations traveling throughout the United States. Often time taking her extended family of nieces and nephews with her to visit museums, historic sites, she even got a photo op when the torch passed through Knoxville for the Olympics with her son Jamael. She was at the inauguration of President Barak Obama.
As simply our Wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, relative or friend. We will miss her but if we are in Jesus, we will see her again.
Family will receive friends, 11:00-12:00 noon, Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914; home going celebration, 12:00 noon, Rev. Dr. Cleo A. Brooks Jr, officiating, Pastor, Holbert W. Brabson, eulogist.
Final arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY
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Receiving of Friends
Thursday, October 21, 2021
11:00-12:00 noon
Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church
3800 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914
Homegoing Celebration
Thursday, October 21, 2021
12:00 noon
Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church
3800 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914
RECEIVING OF FRIENDS LOCATION
SERVICE LOCATION
Memorial Video
GiGi was a classmate at Park Junior High School and also at Tennessee Tech University. She always had a beautiful smile that would light up the room when she came into the room. Never had anything bad to say of anyone. She always found the good in everyone. She will be missed, but never forgotten by all who knew her and those who knew of her. She was a song bird of the south, such a beautiful voice and a very strong voice. She has kept the faith and has fought a good fight and now has gone on to receive her just reward. I believe she has joined that heavenly choir and is now a lead soloist within that choir rejoicing and singing praised unto the most high. Family and friends, weeping may endure for the night, but joy commit in the morning. Look to the hills from which commit our help, our help commit from the Lord. Rest assure we all will see GiGi again in that sweet by and by where every day will be Sunday and Sabbath will have no end. My prayers are with the family and friends of GiGi.
To the Brabson family, I am very sorry for your loss. She seemed amazing!
I was at Fair Garden with Giovanna. We were friends and ate lunch together many, many times. She always shone with something “Special” with a capital S! You just knew she had a great future. After my family moved away from Burlington, I lost touch with many friends and classmates. It’s with great sadness that I read that she had passed away. My deepest sympathies to her family!
We have lost an Angel. God bless the family and friends whom, will never be the same without her presence. We send our prayers and support.
With the deepest sympathy and love,
Wayne & Jeanette Ruddock
So sorry for your loss
James W. Story-Nashville, TN
Giovanna, Gigi, and I attended Tennessee Technological University from 1973-1977. Both music education majors; for we both taught music for over 40 years, for we had an excellent education from the outstanding music Faculty at TTU.
With her anointed vocal gift, she energized the audience both near and far. I remember hearing her in her first recital, Tech. She received a boisterous ovation when she finished her selections.
She and I performed Franz Schubert’s “Der Hirt Auf dem Felsen” (Shepard on the Rock) for Soprano and Clarinet for my senior recital. It was amazing! We both had a gospel group and sang at the Wesley Foundation. We sang at a few churches in East Tennessee. Our group hit the road in Daryl’s station wagon. Gigi, Wanda, Tony, Adrienne, and I were the Joy-Us Singers!
My memories are many visiting the Brabson’s in Knoxville, a great family who love the Lord and are blessed with many musical gifts that have already changed the world!
Rest well, Diva Gi! ❤️
My prayers for peace and comfort to the families.
To the Brabson and Kingsberry Family
So sorry that you are hurting because you are missing in this earthly realm’s presence of Giovana Brabson Kingsberry.
My heart is sad for you: Wilma, your daughter, Myron, your wife, Curtis, Cameron, Janay, Jamel and Macia, your mother – Keira, Sherola, Hobert, Ronnie, Sequin and Ty, your sister – Whitakers and Mr. Vance, your extended family and other relatives.
Know that you are loved and Many Thoughts, Prayers and Light are sent to you and your bloodline.
My deepest condolences sent with love, hugs and compassion.
From cousin Julia Tippitt and Family
GiGi was precious to me! We became acquainted as students at Tenn Tech. She was arriving on campus as I was completing my last year on campus. She was poised, precise, articulate, and exuded excellence as she walked about the campus. From the moment I met her, I knew that she was special. Her broad smile, and her sweet Godly spirit made her so. GiGi sang at my wedding 44 years ago. I am so honored to have been touched by her precious life. My prayers are for and with this very special family.
To KB, Curtis, Kam, Janae and Jamal, and the entire Brabson-Kingsberry’s Families, our prayers, love and gratification to each of you.
Thank God for the honor and privilege I had in getting to know Gi-Gi, and each of you, over the years in Germany. Jamal, being my little student at Argonner ES, in Hanau, GE; you may not remember me…your Assistant Principal, Ms. Harvey. Wow, it was great seeing you, Jamal!!! What a handsome one you turned into!
Prayers, as you continue moving forward without GiGi being, physically, here on Earth with you all. Hold onto those memories and cherish them, forever!
What a beautiful Homegoing you all held in her honor. She would be so proud…the love which she has instilled in each of you, was so evident!
All Our Love,
Ms. Harvey (Monica M. J. Harvey) and Shondrika
Our condolences to the family. Kiera Wyatt, I send love and hugs. I will never forget Gigi kindness and positive love to all.
Our SoulSTAR Giovana Kingsberry was lead by The Spirit where her trust was without borders about God and her life on Gaia. She performed her duties beautifully, orchestrating her journey for spiritual success, joy and creativity during her tour here on Earth. She reached out to others to enable them to fly, she grew spiritually greater with each step taken, she was fearless, she soared like an eagle to great heights, and she had fun doing it all. Wow! I am so blessed to have known her in this lifetime because Gi’s impacts have been good for my life like for so many. Today, she shines brighter than ever and leaves a well established unique legacy for us all to visit anytime. Gi, you earned your wings SoulSTAR! Love you eternally! Wherever you are headed next travel joyfully, lovingly, safely and blessedly. I’m sure you will SoulStar. My condolences to her soulmate KB, her lovely children – Curtis, Cameron, Janay, Jamael and Marcia, her family and friends. The Memorial Service was beautiful. I’ll see you on the other side someday, Gi. We are ONE from our Great Creator~!
I swear she went by Mrs Warner when she taught my middle school band in Hanau, Germany, but she was a great teacher and we were the best! I remember schools coming to visit and place with us and they would just be blown out of the water. One year we play Star and Stipes over and over and over again on a float-in during Fashing. (German Halloween where floats and trucks drive down the road throwing candy). Also when she had her first paper, when we were putting on a concert or play, we watched her in her baby holder while Mrs. Warner ran about getting things ready. So many memories.
Good times, thank you Mrs. Warner/Kingsberry, Godspeed!
xoxo
Jassell