Barbara Jean Gilbert

Barbara “Bobbi” Jean Gilbert, of New Albany, formerly of Greenville, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 surrounded by love. She was a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend who touched countless lives with her vibrant spirit, kindness, and devotion to others.

For 30 years, Barbara taught with passion in Jefferson County Public Schools, where she inspired generations of students. She was very active in educational committees and organizations, such as the International Reading Association, Kentucky Education Association, and National Education Association. She was named one of “America's Outstanding Teachers” in 1992. She was Kentucky’s president of Kappa Kappa Iota, a teacher sorority. After her retirement, she continued giving back as a mentor to at-risk students, always eager to encourage and guide others.

Barbara also belonged to many community and social organizations. A woman of strong faith, her faith was central to her life. She was an active member at Northside Christian Church, where she participated in Bible studies, volunteered, and found joy in fellowship. She was a long-time member of the Women of the Living Word Bible study at Graceland Church. She was the president of Indiana Tri-Cities Christian Women’s Club and the Director of the Christian Singles Outreach. She served as a lay director in the Emmaus DaySpring community and as the queen of the Hoosier Hunnies New Albany chapter of the Red Hat Society.

As a member of the Friendship Force travel group, she traveled all around the world, including to Germany, Sweden, Norway, France, England, Wales, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, Australia, China, and Vietnam. She even traveled to Russia on a mission trip. She would also minister to female inmates at local jails through the R.E.C. program and also served as the faculty sponsor of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Barrett Traditional Middle School and was awarded the “Giant of Faith” award.

She remained devoted to service and continued to share her time and talents through various volunteer opportunities as she loved people and helping others. She volunteered at Derby Dinner Playhouse, Kentucky Center for the Arts, and Hope of Southern Indiana. She served as a house mother at St. Elizabeth’s Maternity Home and as a camp counselor at Handi-Camp, a Christian camping program. She enjoyed time spent with dear friends as a member of two bunco groups for over 40 years. Barb was a team leader and cook preparing meals at Centenary United Methodist Church for people experiencing homelessness. Barbara also visited with those under hospice care.

Barbara had a creative heart and a love for celebrations. She decorated and dressed up for every holiday, painted with joy, and sent thoughtful cards that made each person feel special. With her spunky, outgoing personality, she truly was the life of every party—never meeting a stranger and always making friends wherever she went.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She shared her love of crafts and painting with them, making special handprint ornaments and fun craft projects. They enjoyed many plays at Derby Dinner Playhouse together and would often accompany her to her various social events. They will always cherish their treasured memories made with their Nene.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, fun, and love that will be cherished by her family, friends, former students, and all who were blessed to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mary Agnes (Friess) Whitten and her sisters Patricia Morgan and Linda LeValley. Barbara is survived by two loving daughters, Tracy Hollander (Justin) and Amanda Ford (Chris), five grandchildren Elizabeth Ford Pattinson (Ethan), Emily Ford, Loren Hollander, Mitchell Hollander (Stephanie), and Devon Hollander (Kelsey).

Memorial gifts may be made in Barb Gilbert’s honor to Southern Care Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16 from 3-7 pm, and service and internment will be on Wednesday, September 17 at 10 am, both at Kraft Funeral Home, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana.