Tragedy and Triumph: The Lives of the Gibbs-Green Survivors
Growing up in the rural Delta town of Drew, Mississippi, with 12 siblings, loudly speaking over one another, playing dress up, and using sticks and dirt to stage kitchens in the backyard, Climmie Murry exudes, not surprisingly, humor, resilience, and a concern for others.
Climmie was born to Clint and Lola Johnson and graduated Hunter High School in 1968. Her love for her younger siblings led on her academic journey to Jackson State College, where she majored in Elementary Education.
On May 14, 1970, Climmie’s academic journey was cut short during the tragic police shootings that left her and 11 others wounded during the 28 seconds of gunfire, Phillip Gibbs and James Green murdered, and dozens of others injured physically and psychologically, some for life. Climmie was struck in the head by a bullet that was an inch from ending her life.
Climmie’s life did not end there. The experience she faced fueled a fire inside that pushed her to continue her purpose to help others and engage people during their darkest times.
Climmie went on to have four children of her own. She gained employment at Entergy, which served as a pivotal role in her life, affording her the opportunity to interact with people in her community, develop relationships, and impact many.
As her family and relationships grew, her personality grew. Climmie has touched many lives through motivational speaking and lending a hand to help others who are less fortunate. Her compassionate spirit, high energy, and vibrant personality continue to ignite rooms wherever she is present.