Deborah Gilbert

GILBERT, Mrs. Deborah- age 67, of Flint, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at her residence.  Funeral services will be held 11:30am Tuesday, April 3, 2018 with an 11:00 family hour at Sheldon T. Banks Funeral Chapel, 3021 S. Dort Hwy., Flint, MI 48507.  Pastor Darryl Bailey officiating.  Calling hours are 1:00pm - 7:00pm Monday, April 2, 2018 at Sheldon T. Banks Funeral Chapel.

Mrs. Deborah Esther Gilbert was born March 1, 1951 in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of the late Houghton Stebbins and Alice Stebbins-Young.  She was a resident of the Beecher Community for over 60 years and attended Beecher Community Schools. She later went on to receive her high school diploma from Beecher Adult Education in order to instill the importance of education in her children. She then went on to obtain degrees in Business Management and Billing and Coding. She was a dedicated worker all of her life, working an array of jobs, but settling in at The Beecher Community School District for over 15 years, where she worked in various positions until becoming ill. To know her was to love her.
She was a devoted mother to the very end, not missing a beat. She enjoyed cooking, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and listening to the blues. She could shout “HEYYYY” louder than anyone when one of her favorite songs was played.

A fighter/warrior was an understatement for what our mother was, because despite being told over 20 years ago that she would only live six months from being diagnosed with cancer. She went on to battle, defeat and survive several forms and stages of cancer which solidifies more than a warrior but a conqueror. She fought to the end and now has her “JOB WELL DONE.” No words can express how she will be missed.

Mrs. Deborah E. Gilbert leaves to cherish her memory: sons, Charles Gilbert Jr., William (Samantha) Gilbert, and David (Angel) Gilbert; daughter, Shawna Gilbert (and special son Bobby Copeland); grandchildren, Fadrian, Taylor, Sebastian, Raegan, Skylar, Kimora, William II, and Londin Gilbert, Cartilia III and Gabriel Miller, Montrell Cannon II, and Cashtyn Copeland all of whom she loved dearly; brother, Howard Stebbins; a host of other relatives and friends including special friends, Mrs. Linda Presley Rogner, Maggie Bolden, Jolena Sims and Linda Williams.

Deborah was preceded in death by: father, Houghton Stebbins; mother, Alice Young; father of her children, Charles Gilbert Sr.; brother, Edward Stebbins; sisters, Beverly Thomason and Mary Faircloth; special cousin, Jill Dugas.
The family would like to express special thanks to: Grace and McLaren Hospice Services, nurses Jaina and Sherry for their exceptional care, family and friends for their kind words, cards and expressions of love and support during this difficult time.