Earlene "Nina" Gilbert

Gilbert Earlene "Nina" Gilbert, 80, passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2017, with her loving husband by her side in Midland, Texas. She was born on July 27, 1937 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. Her parents are the late James Clarence Cook, Sarah Evalee Riley, and step-father Shelton Riley. She had 16 brothers and sisters that she adored. Nina was a name that she was given as a young woman because of her small stature but she never let her size stop her from doing anything. She was a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority and an avid volunteer in the community. She loved dressing up as a clown and bringing smiles to the children at St Jude's Hospital, Alzheimer's Association, and several assisted living facilities in Midland. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and played the tambourine. She taught ballroom dancing and was an amazing cook. Her passion for excitement started her love of riding motorcycles and racing cars. She also loved driving 18 wheelers! Her greatest accomplishment was her 34 year marriage to the love of her life, Wallace Doyle Gilbert. They married on June 4, 1983 in San Angelo, Texas. During their years together, they traveled the country, enjoyed spending time visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved to worship and praise God together. The love that they shared held her until her last breath. Nina is survived by her husband, Wallace Doyle Gilbert; daughters, Glenda Kropp, Judy (Danny) Berry; brothers, Everett Riley, Howard Riley, Jim Cook, Robert Riley, Willie Riley, Sam Riley; sister, Beulah Riley; grandchildren, Levi Pearson, Lori Sims, Ashley Berry; great-grandchildren, McKanzie Litaker, Chloe Marling, Livia (KhiKhi) Clemons, Colin Eoin Levi Pearson; and great-great-grandson, Keagen Isaac Myers. She is proceeded in death by her parents, James Clarence Cook and Sarah Evalee Riley; step-father, Shelton Riley; maternal and paternal grandparents; brothers, Ray Riley, Buddy Riley, Jackie Riley, Clarence Cook, Jr., Larry Riley, James Albert; and sisters, Pauline Riley, Darlene Riley, and Helen German. Now she can boogie in the sky! Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.