Marlene "Bobbie" Gilkey

Marlene “Bobbie” Gilkey was born Marlene Johnson on July 12, 1932, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Harvey and Iola Johnson. She was the second twin to Arlene Phillips and the seventeenth child born to this union. Affectionately known as “Bobbie,” she carried that name with grace throughout her life.

Her family later moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated from Planeview High School in 1952. Bobbie cherished her classmates deeply and remained actively involved in alumni activities. She was known for preserving her school’s history and keeping her classmates connected across the years.

In her first union with Charles Hill, she welcomed her daughter, Karon Lynn, on April 25, 1951. Karon Lynn was later adopted by Adolphus Gilkey.

On September 28, 1957, Marlene united in marriage with Adolphus “Dempsy” Gilkey in Wichita, Kansas. From this union she gained a daughter, Cora Edith Gilkey. Their marriage beautifully reflected Proverbs 31:12: “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.” In 1965, the Gilkey family relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where Marlene continued her calling as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She was known for her warm hospitality and for opening her home to the teenagers in her community.

Bobbie was a passionate advocate for education. She pursued higher learning at Tarrant County Junior College, earning an Associate in Arts degree in 1975, followed by numerous certificates. In 1981, she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honor Fraternity of Community and Junior Colleges.

True to Proverbs 31:17—“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks”—Marlene served faithfully in many roles throughout her life. She worked as an attendance clerk at O.D. Wyatt High School and explored various entrepreneurial ventures, always demonstrating exceptional resourcefulness and meticulous bookkeeping. She had a gift for creating abundance from little and stewarded every blessing with care.

Marlene accepted Christ at a young age at Gospel Mission Church in Wichita. After moving to Texas, her family joined Gospel Temple Church in Fort Worth, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, instructor of the Young Men’s Class, and newsletter editor. Later, the family joined Bethel Temple Assembly of God, where she faithfully served in the Communion Ministry and was known for her ministry of exhortation and encouragement. Her love for God’s Word led her to complete A.I.M. Leadership and Discipleship training.

Deeply involved in her community, Marlene held memberships in several organizations, including the Red Hat Society, and contributed to multiple historical societies in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. She was also known for her beautiful quilting, lovingly crafting personalized blankets for her family and friends—treasures that will continue to warm generations.

To her grandchildren and greatgreatgrandchildren, she was “Granny” and “Gigi.” Her presence in their lives was constant, intentional, and full of love. She instilled in them the values of family, knowledge, and excellence, setting high standards and encouraging them to pursue their best.

Marlene will also be fondly remembered for her famous peanut brittle, a holiday tradition that filled her home with the unmistakable aroma of hot brittle cooking on the stove.

Marlene “Bobbie” Gilkey entered her eternal rest on December 22, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Iola Johnson; siblings Harvey Johnson Jr., Nerma Johnson, Marie Homer, Dorothy Johnson, twin sister Arlene Phillips, Mary Jo Mason, and Minnie Watson; her beloved daughter, Karon Lynn Gilkey Derrough; goddaughter Laveda Goodspeed; and her devoted husband of fortynine years, Adolphus “Dempsey Theophilus” Gilkey.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Cora Edith Gilkey; grandchildren Miquiel Kristopher Swain, Janekka Colbert and husband Ralph Colbert, Karryn Derrough, and Derryan Derrough and wife Elaine Derrough, and Lakedra Swain; greatgrandchildren Mi’ckel SwainJohnson, Myiah SwainJohnson, Adrian Williams, Israel Swain, Trinity Colbert, Ezekiel Swain, Elijah Colbert, Jordan Derrough, and Emery Derrough; greatgreatgrandchildren Iris and Ava; and a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

Pallbearers: Ralph Colbert Jr., Mi’ckel Swain-Johnson, Elijah Colbert, Adrian Williams, Miquel “Kris” Swain, Barry Bibbs, Darren Doyel.

A visitation will be held at Bethel Fort Worth Assemblies of God, located at 6801 Meadowbrook Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76112, on January 5, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A committal service will take place at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, on January 5, 2026, at 2:30 pm.

“Per the request of the family, please dress, " Classy like Bobbie” in your Sunday’s Best Attire.