She served faithfully in the church beside her husband, Rev. John W. Gilbert, for over 35 years. Bobbie loved the church and her church family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with family, especially holding her grand and great-grand babies. Bobbie and her husband leave a long and lasting legacy.
One of her proudest achievements was working for the Leggs, Hanes, Bali, Playtex store. She worked there for 16 years, retiring at the age of 88.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John W. Gilbert; parents, Iva G. Hawk and Fred Bowery; brother, Gary Bowery; and sister, Wilma Martin.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Richard W. “Dickie” Gilbert and wife Elaine; daughters, Karen Fortner and husband Wayne and Lisa Robinette and Todd Bevins; grandchildren, Andy Gilbert and wife Abby, Brad Miller and wife Tammy, Todd Gilbert and wife Mandy, Tyler Miller and wife Whitney, and Olivia Bevins; great-grandchildren, Natalie, Nolan, Drew, and Mae Gilbert, Caleb, Liam, Maxwell, James, Phoebe, and Marie Miller; brother, Phil Bowery and wife Jane; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at West Colonial Hills Baptist Church. A Celebration of Bobbie’s Life will follow at 7:00pm with Rev. Tyler Miller, Rev. Andy Gilbert, and Rev. Greg Cercone officiating. Special music provided by Brenda Campbell and Tony and Angela Ellis.
Online condolences may be made to the Gilbert family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Gilbert family