A Life Well Lived. . .

Joseph Edward Gilbert was the second of three children born on October 31, 1938, in Galveston, TX, to Ollie and Olevia Gilbert.

At an early age, Joseph accepted Christ and united with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX, under the leadership of Rev. Harry B. Sampson.  He served faithfully until he moved his membership to the Loyal Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of his dear friend Rev. Asa Sampson.  He developed a lasting friendship with the Sampson sons, which led to him being introduced to his first wife, Eola Virginia Valrie.  They were joined in Holy Matrimony in April 1965 and remained married for 39 years until her passing in 2004.  To this union, four children were born.

Joseph was a product of the Houston Independent School District, attending E.O. Smith and graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in the winter class of 1957.  After graduating, Joseph worked several jobs, including positions at The Rice Hotel, Grocers Supply, and Ralph Rupley Furrier, before beginning his lifelong career at Maxwell House in Houston.  He briefly paused his tenure at the Maxwell House plant because he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961.  Joseph trained at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, in an artillery unit.  His service time was stationed in Germany for 3 years.  He returned to the States, honorably discharged, in 1963.   Joseph resumed his position at the Maxwell House plant in Houston, which led him to a promotion and relocation to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  He was among the 1st small group of African Americans to be selected to enter the sales division.

Joseph and his family relocated from Houston to Oklahoma in 1968 and united with the St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. K. Jackson.   He was a faithful member serving as a deacon and was also ordained as a minister to preach the Gospel.

Joseph retired from the Maxwell House division in 1995 and then relocated back to Houston with his wife, Eola.  Upon moving back, they united with New Faith Church and were faithful members, where he served in the orientation ministry.

In 2009, Joseph met Helen Nealey, and on April 15, 2011, they were joined in Holy Matrimony in the sanctuary of New Faith Church by Dr. T.R. Williams, Sr.  They were married for 14 years until his death.

On Wednesday evening, August 13, surrounded by his family, Joseph peacefully made his transition.  He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Oscar and Ollie Mae Gilbert, and wife, Eola Virginia Gilbert.  He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Helen, children: (Twins) Karl Edward Gilbert, Kurt Edward Gilbert (Deirdre), Yolanda Gilbert Smith (Troy), and Joseph Redrick Gilbert, Bonus children: Kimbley Cole and James E. Nealey, Jr.  Grandchildren: Robert Pennon (Helen), Kameron Gilbert, Kelli Cole, Michael Cole, Kamri Cole, James Nealey, and Michael Drew Smith, Great Grandchildren:  Preston and Noah Pennon, Sisters in Law, Shirley Virgil (Tyrone) and Lois Hull (Jim), Neice, Terri Moore, Nephews, Darren and Justin Gilbert, Great Neice, Khourtni Moore and Great Nephew, Hamilton Williams and his favorite cousins, Della Catley Franklin (Jesse) and John Santos (Barbara) and a host of relatives and friends.