Denise Annette Gilbert

Denise Annette Gilbert, 63, of Hickory, NC, passed away on October 26, 2025, at Wake Forest Baptist Cancer Center after bravely fighting stage 4 ovarian and uterine cancer since being diagnosed in April 2024. She was born on June 7, 1962, in Newton, NC.

As a young adult, Denise attended college with a focus in Manufacturing Engineering. She devoted her career to the furniture industry, where her talent, dedication, and leadership left a lasting mark. Much of her career was spent with Lee Industries, and in recent years, she consulted for NCR Handcrafted Furniture alongside her beloved wife, Angela Gilbert. Known as an expert in her field, Denise’s colleagues often described her as one of the best, an inspiring mentor, a tireless worker, and a passionate advocate for excellence in furniture manufacturing.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Denise was known for her vibrant spirit and zest for life. She loved ghost hunting, dancing, hosting parties, and pulling the occasional prank. Athletic and energetic, she enjoyed playing tennis and spending time outdoors with her family. Some of her favorite moments were spent at home during family game nights, surrounded by laughter, love, and good company.

Denise deeply loved her wife, Angela (“Angel”), with whom she shared a rare and beautiful bond. Their love inspired everyone who knew them.

Denise took immense pride in her work and accomplishments, but she always made time for fun and for lifting those around her. She had a gift for turning strangers into friends and friends into family. Conversations with her were always filled with laughter, warmth, and wisdom. She had an extraordinary ability to make every person she met feel seen, valued, and loved.

Denise also had a deep love for her animals. Her living companions, Velvet, Peanut, and Woody, will miss her dearly, as will her many beloved animals waiting for her in heaven, including Pootie, Wyatt, and Stimey, to name a few.

Denise was preceded in death by her father, the late Don M. Gilbert Sr., and by her grandparents Frank and Mary Virginia Gilbert, and Earl and Estelle Cline.

She is survived by her devoted wife, Angela "Angel" Gilbert; daughters, Haylea Duckett and Leta Cook (husband Joshua); son, Andrew Duckett; her cherished grandson, Tobias Cook; her loving mother, Ruby Killian, and stepfather, Lester Killian Jr.

Denise is also survived by her siblings: Don M. Gilbert Jr., Paul Darin Gilbert (wife Dee Dee), Lester Killian III (wife Nicole), Mark Killian (wife Tammy), and Matthew Killian (wife Kristie); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces including Nathan Gilbert (wife Ashley), Aria Gilbert, Alaina Gilbert, Brandon Gilbert (wife Emily), Ivey Denise Gilbert, Morgan Killian-Harris (husband Nathaniel), Hannah Killian, Courtney Reyes (husband Haracio), Caitlyn Killian, Merritt Killian, Mattison Killian, Avery Killian, and Hollister Killian.

She also leaves behind countless friends who became family over the years. Though there are too many to name, each of them knows how deeply Denise loved and cherished them. Her warmth, laughter, and light will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Denise’s honor on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds, 1 American Legion Ave, Newton, NC 28658. As Denise requested, the celebration will include lighthearted storytelling, the sharing of fond memories, photos, her favorite music, and refreshments, just as she would have wanted: filled with joy, love, and laughter.

The family will receive friends and loved ones earlier that day at 2:00 PM at Hickory Funeral Home, 1031 11th Ave Blvd SE, Hickory, NC 28602.

Denise will be remembered for her generous heart, her infectious laughter, and her ability to make every day brighter. She was truly the life of every party and will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.