Marie R. Gilbert

Marie R. Gilbert, age 98, of Northport, died Feb. 2, 2013, at home. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. John Vaughn and Rev. Orlando Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremation, A Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace J. Gilbert.

She is survived by her sons, Allen Gilbert of Northport and Steve Brown of Marietta, Ga.; her grandchildren, Alicia Rodgers of Hilton Head, S.C., Joseph Gilbert of Northport, and Stephen and Justin Brown of Marietta, Ga.; her great-grandchildren, Caleb Gilbert and Duston Rodgers; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was a member of First Wesleyan Church of Tuscaloosa, where she served as Music and Choir Director for many years and held other offices. She graduated from the University of Alabama, receiving both the BS and MA degrees in Elementary Education and Music Education. She was a retired teacher from the Tuscaloosa City School System where she taught for many years. Among her honors, she was a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa Education Honorary Sorority of Tuscaloosa and an honorary member of the Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America. She was a faithful, loyal and loving Christian mother. Her care and concern extended to her entire family. Her devotion and care of others touched the lives of so many outside her family circle. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Pallbearers are Bryant Moore, Blake Moore, Danny Lee, Steve Brown, Joseph Gilbert, and Phillip Gray.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of First Wesleyan Church, the Joyful Praise Choir of which she was a member, Dr. John Mantle, Dr. Stephen Browne, and her friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to First Wesleyan Church, BYF Program, 1501 McFarland Blvd. North, Tuscaloosa, AL 35406, or to the donor's favorite charity.