Barbara was born the daughter of Clarence and Myrtle (Ashley) VanNorman in Port Huron, Michigan on March 17, 1925. She graduated from Port Huron High School, class of 1943. Barbara married William Gilbert on September 17, 1965 in Orchard Lake, Michigan. She and Bill raised their family in Madison Heights. Barbara had a career at General Motors serving as a blue print technician at the GM Tech Center. Following retirement, Barbara and Bill moved to Homosassa, Florida where she was actively involved in many areas of service with the First United Methodist Church in Homosassa. Barbara and Bill returned to Michigan in 2015 to be near family.
Barbara loved hosting family and friends in Florida. She was an excellent golfer and enjoyed golf and the community of friends around Southern Woods Country Club in Homosassa. Barbara’s faith in God was lived out in her service to others daily.
Barbara is survived by her son John Tyler; step children Randy (Jerri) Gilbert, Shelley Gilbert, and Dale (Laura) Gilbert; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her husband William Gilbert; her parents; daughter Judy Tyler; and son David Tyler.
Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in the spring of 2025.
Memorial contributions may be made in Barbara’s honor to the Alzheimer's Assocation online at www.alz.org.
