On Tuesday, September 4, 2018, Betty Frances Hagan Gilbert (widow of the Rev. Emory C. Gilbert Sr.), loving wife and mother of two, passed away at the age of 89. She was born in Savannah, Georgia to Frank A. Hagan and Frances Oree Hunter Hagan on January 13, 1929.
Mrs. Gilbert attended schools in Titusville, Florida and graduated high school from Savannah High in 1946. She worked for seven years at the Citizens & Southern Bank in Savannah before marrying the Rev. Emory Carter Gilbert on June 8, 1952. Mrs. Gilbert was deeply involved in her role as a minister’s wife. She was active in the Prayer Ministry, Older Adults and a member of the Fellowship-Jesus is Lord Class.
She was chosen as the 1997 Quiet Disciple by the United Methodist Women of which she became a member of in 1947. She was also honored as Woman of the Year at East Highland Church. She volunteered for 20 years at Callaway Gardens Chapel and Butterfly Center. She enjoyed reading, gardening, arranging flowers, crafts collecting cookbooks, traveling and bird watching. She greeted each day with joy and a servant heart, always placing the needs of others before her own.
She is survived by her son Emory Carter Gilbert (Cheryl); daughter Debra Gilbert Comeaux (Kenny); three granddaughters, Tricia, Tiffany and Christy; great grandson, Carter T. Keefe. The family will miss her greatly but celebrate her reunion with her beloved husband and her God.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Luke UMC in Columbus, Georgia with Rev. Robert Beckum, Rev. Dick Reese, Rev. Mark Sasser, Rev. Robin Lee Fitch and Rev. John Fugh Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at a reception in Stockwell Hall at the church. A private internment for the family will follow at Park Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Gilberts name to the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, 304 Pierce Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31204.
Fond memories and condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.
