Cleveland Wendell Gilbert

  GILBERT, Cleveland W., born on August 25th, 1970 in Evansville, IN. Born to Sharon L. Gilbert and William Charles Gilbert and raised by the best most loving Grandmother ever Dorothy Hickerson. 

Anyone who knew Cleveland Gilbert knew that one of the most important things in his life was his family. Cleveland know as a compassionate uncle; reliable cuz; strong; loving; trustworthy; dumbest dad jokes; enthusiastic; tender hearted; wise; responsible; selfless; diligent; exuberant; life of the party; generous; has time for everyone; straight shooter; silly; outgoing; stubborn; patient; and an affectionate father and husband! Cleveland enjoyed fishing, grilling, sports games, wrestling, and most of all his Steelers! 

He also has served in the Navy for 4 years. Over the many years that Cleveland did car sales, numerous people he met, including his wife, became lifelong friends. This goes to show that people could see even after just a few mins, that he was a man of integrity, honesty and was willing to go above  and beyond to ensure the happiness of his customers and friends. As a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, win or lose, Cleveland cheered on his team. This love of sports was seen at every football game, basketball game, cheer competition, steppers performance, spelling bee, band concerts, soft ball, color guard, dance competitions and choir performances. 

Cleveland's home has always been filled with children either by birth or by love. As we went from home to home full of children, teenagers to almost adults his home welcomed everyone and was always filled with laughter and love. Cleveland will be missed by his aunts, uncles, cousins, beloved sisters and brothers, treasured nieces and nephews. As we all know Uncle Cleveland and Pooh were names he held close to his heart. His most favored name was daddy, dad, and pops.

Siblings: Damita Thompson, Paula Kirkland, Shelly Brown, and Nicole Woods.

Honorary Brothers & Sisters (in no particular order): Clarence, John JT, Cuz Ken, Tyree, Trevor, Everett, James Jr., DP, Justin, Josh, Tinks, and Alzie. He was blessed with many more friends that were his chosen brothers and sisters.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” 

-Martin Luther King Jr.

To all his Navy Shipmates of the USS Saipan: Lynn, Buddy, Gregory, Christopher, Tony, Bill, Lee, Trevor, Dan, & Jack we thank you!

Niece and Nephews: Vercara (De’Andre, Jeremiah, & Cam’Ren), Tayon, and Brandon

Thank you Daddy,

 When we were born, you were there to catch us when we fell, whenever and wherever. When we said our first words, you were there for us, to teach us the whole dictionary if need be. When we took our first steps, you were there to encourage us. When we had our first day at school, you were there to give us advice and help us with homework. We still haven’t finished school, or walked down the aisle, or had our first child. But we know you will be there for us through all these times and more, the good and bad. We may outgrow your lap, but we will never outgrow your heart. So we just wrote this to say ‘We Love You Dad and we are just as lucky as I can be because the world’s best Dad belongs to us!’ 

From: Shyla, Caylleigha, Culliestya, & Epiphany.

Children By Birth: Shyla, Caylleigha, Cleveland, Caidell, Cordyell, Culliestya, adopted Epiphany and Taylor.

Thank you Daddy,

Not only are you teaching us, but you are teaching our sons. We are your sons and someday we will be dads through the influence and care that you give us today. Daddy we see you as a dad that can do no wrong, as we grow older and we think that you are outdated remember this, as a father you are measured by how you parent us. What you give to us, what you keep away from us, the lessons you teach us and the lessons you allow us to learn on our own.

From: Cleveland, Caidell, Cordyell, & Taylor.

Honorary Sons and Daughters (in no particular order): Ulyssia, Faith, Brooklyn, Kody, Tyler, Kamea, Mark, Jaylon, DeWonne, Sierra, Amelia, Britt, Luca, Ayden, Don’Jae, Shawn, Khalil, Adrianna, Brandon, and Jadon.

Memories:

“I will never forget the time our grandmother unplugged the phone out the wall, because you were on the phone too much and got too many phone calls. You would run to the family dollar to buy another phone so you wouldn’t miss your calls. You are truly going to be missed. Love you little brother.”

- Damita Thompson

“I can write a book about me and you. From a newborn until now, you have always been my hero, more like a dad. I’m going to miss you calling me snoog. This is not a goodbye, but a see you later! Forever in my heart, always in my spirit. Love you infinitely.”

-Vecara Westbrooks

“I remember when me and dad were at a springstead football game and they played a loud eagle noise, it scared most of the crowd  the first time it played but then we made it a joke and said it came for his nachos.”

              -Culliestya Gilbert

“Everyday he’d come home and i’d palm his head like a basketball”

             -Caidell Gilbert

“I remember the time dad took me mini golfing as a treat and my skills were too top notch (note the sarcasm of my skills).”

            -Cordyell Gilbert

“My favorite memory is when mommy bought a Cantelope and I put it in his room while he was sleeping, and then the next night he put it in my room. So the next night, I put it in the mail box for him to find. Then he put it under my pillow, so I put it in his car in the driver seat and he returned the favor. Another memory was when he came to every cheer competition and yelled the wrong words at the wrong time.”

           -Caylleigha Gilbert

“I remembered when I first moved down to Fl. and we ventured off to St. Pete beach. We pretended to be D’Js while playing in the water. The beach is my favorite spot because it was just me and you together.” 

           -Shyla Gilbert

“ My favorite  memory is when dad got his head shaved and went to sleep and I laid down next to him and rubbed his head and he woke up and hit me.”

          -Cleveland Gilbert

“My favorite memory is when dad came back from his long walks all sweaty and chased me down the street trying to rub his sweat on me (never ran faster in my life).”

         -Epiphany Robertson 

“My favorite memory is when he always said i was the best mother in law he could ever have”

         -Pearl Bishop

“My favorite memory is when I would be sad or ranting about something and he would just laugh and give me a hug and say you know you’re my favorite”.

          -Sierra Greene

My favorite memory is when i scored in the last game of basketball season, then i looked at him and he just looked so happy”

         -Taylor Fussell 

Please feel free to comment on your fondest memories below.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

(352) 686-6649

"Family Owned and Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com