Mary Louise (Walker) Gilbert had a unique beginning in life. She was born Nov. 11, 1952, in Houston, Mo., on Dooley Street, delivered on her aunt’s kitchen table by Dr. T.J. Burns. When she was a few months old, she moved to Michigan and then to Chicago, Ill., with her mother, Ida “Louise” (Bates) Walker, and her father, Billy Dean Walker.
At 16 years old, Mary accepted the Lord at 17th Avenue Baptist Church in Melrose Park, Ill. She graduated East Lyden High School in 1971 and married Norman Gary Gilbert in September of that year. Mary gained two boys with her marriage, and then she and Norman had three children together. They moved to Arizona in the 80s and started raising and showing Pygmy goats. She was very proud of her Grand Champion Buck. Mary earned her CNA certificate and EMT license before she went to college and earned her associate degree in liberal arts. She moved back to Licking, Mo., around 2003.
Mary suffered with COPD, heart disease and artery disease for the last 28 years. She passed away March 12, 2019, at Texas County Memorial Hospital, Houston, Mo.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Gary Gilbert in 1999; and her mother, Ida “Louise” Walker in 2014.
She is survived by her father, Billy Dean Walker of Licking, Mo.; her brother, Billy Ray Walker (spouse Maria) of Tucson, Ariz.; her sister, Brenda Lynn Wilson (spouse Mickey) of Licking, Mo.; her children, Kristina Wilson of Tucson, Ariz., Norman Gilbert of Tucson, Ariz., Karri O’Campo of Palm Desert, Calif., and Jeffery and Wayne of Indiana; 17 grandchildren; six nieces/nephews; and many cousins, aunts and uncles.
Mary loved her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed working with her animals and her roses.
Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and daughter. She was generous and loving and would do anything that she was able to do for anyone in need.
Mary Lou was loved and will be missed by everyone.
Services are 11 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2019, at Evans Funeral Home with Pastor Billy R. Walker officiating. Burial will be in Ellis Prairie Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Norman D. Gilbert, Jesse J.D. Wilson, Mickey R. Wilson, Rickey Kidd, Bobbert C. Bates, Joe Bates and Cole D. Wilson.
Memorials may be made to Ellis Prairie Cemetery, in lieu of flowers.
PAID