Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert was born April 27, 1820, and departed this life April 19, 1909, age 88 years, 11 months, and 22 days. She was united in marriage to William P. Gilbert in the year 1837. She became the mother of 11 children, 3 of which preceded her to the spirit land. Her husband was killed during the late war, leaving her with a large family and limited means, as the cruel hand of war had swept away most of their past earnings. She remained a widow the remainder of her life, in loneliness, toiling to support and save her family. She became a Christian at an early age in life and united with the M.E. Church, South, and while she lived a life of toil, hardship and loneliness, she trusted in Him who heals the broken hearted and graciously offers rest to "all that labor and are heavy laden". Through many disadvantages and reverses in life, she succeeded in raising a large family of children and lived to see them all settled in life. When the time came for her youngest son, E.M. Gilbert, to leave the home and go out on his own resources, she gave him a good motherly talk asking him to strive earnestly in life for a home of his own in the future. He promised her his best efforts to this end assuring her a future home if he succeeded in life. By the grace-of-God this good young man through toil and many afflictions in life, aided by a loving and faithful wife, bountifully furnished this good mother all the comforts of life and a happy home during the last 20 years she was permitted to live on the earth. While he was a blessing to this good mother, she was a Christian light in that home and her influence for good was seen and felt day by day. She taught all her grandchildren in this home how they should live and act in this life, and her heart was made glad only a few days ago by seeing a part of these little ones gathered into the fold of Christ. Those only who knew and understood her best, could best appreciate her true worth and nobility of soul. While Mrs. Gilbert lived to the ripe old age of four score years and ten, she was patient, cheerful, and uncomplaining and had desires to still live and be with her loved ones. Few people possess the mental power and vigor at this age with which this good mother was possessed until almost the day of her death. But the time came when all earthly blessings served their purpose with her and passed away. On the morning of April the 19th at 7 o'clock her heart ceased to beat and the loved and bereaved ones of the home could not follow this mother further than the brink of the "rolling river", but there the Good Shepherd took her gently by the hand and caused her to realize his sweet and precious promise, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee". He dispels gloom from all sorrowing hearts and tells them "Trust in me, I am the way, the truth, and life." This aged mother also passed from conflict to victory, and her vacant chair is seen in the home and the loved ones mourn her departure. Human speech and sympathy are of no avail and powerless to bring comfort and consolation to the hearts of that home, but God be praised there is one of infinite power, goodness and sympathy who comforts every heart. Besides her 8 living children, she leaves 72 grandchildren, 90 great grandchildren, and 8 great, great grandchildren. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C.E. Steele and her body laid to rest in the Tritt graveyard near the old homestead where she had spent her youthful days. This newly made grave testifies of the transitory character of all things earthly and is left as a witness for the living to realize. May we all so live in this life that when Christ comes the second time to claim his own, we can meet Him with songs on our lips and harps in our hands to meet one another again. -J.F. Witt∼Children:
Cynthia Thompson
Leander Gilbert
Alfred Gilbert
Lucy Ann Gilbert Cox
Mary Gilbert Morris
Rosina Arnold
Joseph Gilbert
Benjamin Gilbert
Margaret Gilbert
Rebecca E Gilbert