Robert Gilbert

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."    ~Hebrews 13:2~

Mr. Robert Lee Gilbert was born in Lena, Mississippi on May 4, 1943 to the late Curtis Gilbert and the late Modene Gilbert Harris. Mr. Robert Gilbert answered his call home to be with the Lord on August 1, 2023 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).

During his earlier years, Robert received his education from Midway School in Lena, MS. Upon relocation to Rankin County, MS, Robert attended and graduated from Carter High School in Brandon, MS in 1963. After high school, Robert furthered his education and graduated from The Jackson State University in 1976 with a B.A. in Political Science.

In 1973, Robert began his employment at the University of Mississippi  Medical Center, Artificial Kidney Unit Division. He was the head dialysis technician, and ultimately retired from the Artificial Kidney Unit in 1997.

In 1977, while at UMMC, he met the former Thelma Todd and they were united in holy matrimony after a timely courtship.

In 1991, Robert untied with Voice of Calvary Fellowship (VOCF) under the leadership of Pastor Phil Reed. While attending VOCF, he served as a faithful member, Sunday School teacher, and a deacon.

Robert stayed very busy post-retirement from UMMC, but ultimately went back to work at Wal-mart as an area supervisor in Jackson in 1999. He had a passion for serving others and rarely ever met a stranger. However, in 2010, he retired from Wal-mart, fulfilled and ready to see what God had in store for him. Robert was a consummate student of life and a man of leisure. His many hobbies included attending theater, ballet recitals, singing, learning different languages, reading, and landscaping among others.

Three siblings, one child, and two grandchildren preceded him in death: Mable Floyd, Shelby Gilbert, Thelma Paige, Mary Elizabeth Gilbert, Joey Allen, and Deshuan Mack.

Mr. Robert L. Gilbert leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of over four decades, Thelma T. Gilbert; two children: Titus (Tamika) Gilbert and Timothy Gilbert; one godson: Joseph Buckner; nine grandchildren: Taylor, Tiana, and Triston Gilbert; Aspen, Ieshia, Kymberang, Tanesha, Nishauntie Short, and Samone Downing; eleven siblings: Richard (Juanita) Harris and Irene Denson of Brandon, MS, Sherry (Michael) Johnson and Leontyne Roby of Pearl, MS, Mae Helen Gilbert, Curtis Gilbert, Jr., and Lynn Gilbert of Jackson, MS, Cordelia Aaron of Byram, MS, Gary (Annette) Gilbert of Jackson, MS, Lisa (Mark) Neal of Terry, MS, Shelia Gilbert of Jackson, MS; three brothers-in-law: James McGee, Dr. Irwin W. Todd, Sr., and James (Rosa) Todd, Sr.; four sisters-in-law: Maggie L. Johnson, Catherine Todd, and Francis Todd; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition, he had an abundance of bonus siblings including: Melvin James Ray, Roger Dale, Joyce, Susan, and Rhona.