Maryland Louise (Bowers) Gilbert

Maryland Louise Gilbert was born on March 18, 1938, in Houston, Texas, to the late Annie Mae Johnson and John Walter Bowers Sr. She was the third of eleven children born to this union and was raised in Houston’s historic Third Ward community.

At an early age, Maryland accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized in Houston, Texas. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life.

Maryland attended Jack Yates High School and later pursued a career in cosmetology, becoming an entrepreneur and serving her community for more than 25 years. She also dedicated many years of service to Fort Bend Independent School District, where she worked as a cafeteria manager at various schools throughout the district.

Maryland was united in holy matrimony with Richard Howard. Later in life, she joined in holy matrimony with Eddie Bob Felder Sr., and from this union, nine children were born. She later united in holy matrimony with Lawrence Gilbert, with whom she shared her final union until his passing.

As Maryland continued to grow in her relationship with Christ, she became a founding member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Marvia V. Fletcher. She served faithfully as Matron of the Youth Department for more than 30 years and was a devoted member of the church choir for many decades. Maryland remained a faithful and dedicated member of New Hope until her health began to decline.

On July 13, 2026, at 1:27 p.m., God called Maryland’s name, and she answered the Master’s call. She transitioned from labor to reward and entered eternal rest.

Maryland leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Linda White (James-deceased); Cynthia Peterson (Robert); Edna Hollins (Michael-deceased); Rosalind Johnson (Eddie); Timothy Felder (Ester); and Rhonda James (Willie); two bonus children, Charlotte Roberts (Norris) and Yvette Petit (Zachary); and a loving legacy spanning five generations, including 28 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, and 22 great-great-grandchildren—a total of 120 grandchildren across generations. She also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Maryland was preceded in death by her parents, Annie Mae Johnson and John Walter Bowers Sr.; her husband, Lawrence Gilbert; her former husbands, Richard Howard and Eddie Bob Felder Sr.; her children, Eddie Felder Jr., Teresa Felder, and Raymond Felder; her grandchildren, Jasmine Mays, Justin Hamilton, Darrion Holmes, Jordan King, and Taylor White; and her siblings, Willie Ruth Osito, John W. Bowers Jr., Marie Smith, and Johnny Bowers.

Maryland Louise Gilbert leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, family, service, and love. Her life touched generations, and the seeds she planted will continue to flourish through the family she loved so dearly.