Ernest Wilbert

Ernest “Cigar” Wilbert was born to Joe B Wilbert and Mae Willie Wilbert in Houston, Texas on June 19, 1948. He was the fourth of five children of Joe and Mae Willie Wilbert - Reuben Wilbert, Joe B. Jr., Dorothy Limbrick, Ernest Wilbert, and Earl Wilbert. He was preceded in death by his brother Reuben Wilbert and Joe B Wilbert Jr. As a child, Ernest attended Harper Middle School and Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, Texas.

Ernest accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. He was married to Linda Martin on August 22, 1970, and they had four children - Consuela Muckelroy, Dorothy Obialo, (son in-law Derek U. Obialo) Emanuel Wilbert, (daughter in-law LaToya Wilbert) and Derek Wilbert. Ernest had eleven grandchildren, Chastity Noble, (Consuela) Jacoby Brooks (Consuela), Alexis Obialo (Dorothy & Derek), Avery Obialo (Dorothy & Derek), Uchendu Obialo (Dorothy & Derek), Ashley Obialo (Dorothy & Derek), Ethan Wilbert (Emanuel & LaToya), Mason Wilbert (Emanuel & LaToya), Jeremiah Wilbert (Derek), Jailyn Wilbert (Derek), and Daanya (Derek), and two great grandchildren, Omari Moore (Chastity) and Kai White (Chastity).

Ernest first started his work life as a veterinary assistant and later worked for many years was a certified pipe welder working with major construction firms in many prominent construction projects around the Houston area. He enjoyed taking care of his family from his hard work and took pride in all of his children. He loved his family and wanted everyone to know and understand the importance of family bond and hard work.