Joe Lewis Gilbert was born February 8, 1939 in Sabine, West Virginia to the late Reverend Grover Cleveland Gilbert and Ida Margaret Adams Gilbert. Joe transitioned at Deaconess Gateway Hospital on Monday, December 24, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Hester Leola Ross and Queen Esther Coles, his brother Grover Cleveland Gilbert Jr, his children Susan Nanette and Josette Nicole Gilbert.
Joe was raised in Harper Heights WV and graduated from Stratton High School in 1956.
His Christian walk of faith began early in life at Shiloh Baptist Church where his father was the founding Pastor.
After graduation, Joe moved to New York City and then to Washington DC where he lived and worked for many years. He spent his career at EG&G Washington Analytical Services Incorporated retiring as a Facilities Manager after 20 years. He also worked a number of years at PMI, eventually leaving after being promoted to Security Manager.
Joe married Mary Brewster on May 27, 2016 (a dayhe particularly chose, as it was Mary's birthday) in Evansville, IN. They resided together in Evansville until his death.
Joe, affectionately referred to as "Uncle Joe" and "Papa Joe" loved his family, andfamily meant everything to him. As Patriarch, he encouragedhis nieces and nephews to organize and plan the 2018 Gilbert Family Reunion that was held this past August. Under his leadership, the reunion was a huge success and enjoyed by all.
Joe loved anything sports related, and everyone knew that his favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved playing Bid Whist, being a self-described master of the game.
He was a member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church where he served as an Usher. He regularly attended Sunday School and volunteered with Vacation Bible School.
Joe and Mary traveledfrequently attending weddings, graduations, reunions and even an occasional birthday party.Joe and Mary joined her family in taking his first ever cruise this year onone of Royal Caribbean's largest ships.
Joe leaves behind to continue his legacy of love and family: his beloved wife Mary Gilbert, his daughter Lisa Clements (Charles), his son Mark Gilbert (Cathy), his stepson Terence Brewster (Cherice), his grandchildren Erik and Adam Clements, Kierston, Nia and Alara Gilbert, Celeste Brewster, his great-grandchild A'laiyah Gilbert. His siblings: Billie Leftwich (James), Lois Washington and Marva Waller and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends Elijah (Shorty) Thomas and George Flowers.
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Joe was raised in Harper Heights WV and graduated from Stratton High School in 1956.
His Christian walk of faith began early in life at Shiloh Baptist Church where his father was the founding Pastor.
After graduation, Joe moved to New York City and then to Washington DC where he lived and worked for many years. He spent his career at EG&G Washington Analytical Services Incorporated retiring as a Facilities Manager after 20 years. He also worked a number of years at PMI, eventually leaving after being promoted to Security Manager.
Joe married Mary Brewster on May 27, 2016 (a dayhe particularly chose, as it was Mary's birthday) in Evansville, IN. They resided together in Evansville until his death.
Joe, affectionately referred to as "Uncle Joe" and "Papa Joe" loved his family, andfamily meant everything to him. As Patriarch, he encouragedhis nieces and nephews to organize and plan the 2018 Gilbert Family Reunion that was held this past August. Under his leadership, the reunion was a huge success and enjoyed by all.
Joe loved anything sports related, and everyone knew that his favorite football team was the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved playing Bid Whist, being a self-described master of the game.
He was a member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church where he served as an Usher. He regularly attended Sunday School and volunteered with Vacation Bible School.
Joe and Mary traveledfrequently attending weddings, graduations, reunions and even an occasional birthday party.Joe and Mary joined her family in taking his first ever cruise this year onone of Royal Caribbean's largest ships.
Joe leaves behind to continue his legacy of love and family: his beloved wife Mary Gilbert, his daughter Lisa Clements (Charles), his son Mark Gilbert (Cathy), his stepson Terence Brewster (Cherice), his grandchildren Erik and Adam Clements, Kierston, Nia and Alara Gilbert, Celeste Brewster, his great-grandchild A'laiyah Gilbert. His siblings: Billie Leftwich (James), Lois Washington and Marva Waller and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and special friends Elijah (Shorty) Thomas and George Flowers.
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