Olga Christelle Gilbert was born on February 28, 1929 in the two-room home of her Maternal Grandparents just outside of Turkey, Texas. She went to live for eternity with Christ on the morning of January 8, 2020. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Irene, her dad, Richard Bailey Sides, and her husband of 65 years, Allan Henry Etny Gilbert, among many other loving family members.
She devoted her life to serving her Lord and loving her family as evident in her career as a special education teacher and volunteer work throughout her life. She taught all levels of Sunday School classes, except men’s group, during her lifetime. She sang alto and soprano in various choirs and groups wherever she lived. For ten summers, she managed the Gift Shop at Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment as a volunteer. In addition, she was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron eleven times and receiving appointments as a Grand Chapter many times at the state level. If that wasn’t enough, she volunteered as an EMT, and she served over 3500 hours of volunteer work in the hospital.
She married Allan Henry Etny Gilbert on November 16, 1945 and was known as a devoted and loving wife. Christelle then became the devoted mother to four children: Sherry Clark and husband Doug of Zephyr, Texas; Joan Smith of Troy, Texas; Gary Gilbert and wife Debi of Alvarado, Texas; and Vince Gilbert and wife Kristy of Pottsville, Texas. Her grandchildren include: Kim Bird and husband Erin, Matthew Clark and wife Jennifer, Quentin Clark and wife Shanna, Allan Whitehead and wife Alisha, Tyna Allen and husband Mason, Wendell Gilbert and wife Denise, David Gilbert, Christina Sutter and husband Brandon, Crystal Bassham and husband Jake, Michael and Ayrianna Gilbert, Christopher Gilbert and wife Yolanda, Richard Gilbert, Casey Gilbert and wife Rachel, Brittani Smith and husband Kody, and Halye Mair and husband Brandon. Great-grandchildren are: Morgan and Drew Bird, Allison and Cullen Clark, Landon and Sydney Clark, Paige and Maddyysson Whitehead, Ian McDonald, Chance Allen, Jordan Hayes and wife Whitney, Jesse Watson and husband Evan, Micah (deceased) and Caleb Gilbert, Austin and Tristan Gilbert, Steven Craig, Katie Horrell, Joshua and Mikhaila Sutter, Oby Pruitt, Zoey and Zaydee Gilbert, Cian and Karamie Gilbert, Austin Smith, and Hayden, Avery, and Michaela Mair. Great-great-grandchildren: Zoe, Zander, and Jenna Watson, and Wesley Hayes. She is also survived by Sister-in-law Sandy Gilbert of Livingston, Texas, brother-in-law Ronnie Gilbert and wife Sandy, and family of Post, Texas; and sister Ladois West of Pottsville, Texas. There are also numerous nieces and nephews.
Christelle Gilbert was a Christian, wife, mother, Nanny, aunt, teacher, role model, missionary, server, and will be dearly missed.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2020 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and the funeral is January 11, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at the Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, Texas. All of her grandsons will be pallbearers.
