David M. Gilbert

David M. Gilbert was born in Nashville, TN, on October 8, 1952, to proud parents Eugene and Florence Gilbert, who preceded him in death. He had one son, Thomas L. Gilbert. David confessed his love for Christ at an early age. He was a deacon at St. Mary Spiritual Temple #19, and his grandmother, the late Pastor Elizabeth Beasley-Gilbert-Nelson, made sure he knew the words and understanding of his bible. He could hold a spiritual conversation with the best biblical scholars.

He retired from Fort Benjamin Harrison Commissary and also worked at Community Hospital East. He could get a job with no problem.

David was a man of strength, talent, and heart. He loved to cook and play cards with his friends. His creativity was not only a gift but also a reflection of the love and care he had for the people in his life.

Though he often kept busy, David never forgot to remind his family and friends of the importance of staying connected. He was a dedicated brother and friend who valued relationships and understood the power of love, prayer, laughter, and togetherness. Those reminders are lessons we will continue to hold close as we carry on his memory.

David’s love for his family was unwavering. He cherished every moment spent with those he cared for, and his presence filled everyone he met with warmness. To know him was to love him. Anyone who met him couldn’t help but feel his kindness, dedication, and a spirit that let you know how valuable you truly were.

He leaves behind a host of family and friends to cherish his memory, including his son, Thomas L. Gilbert; his paternal great-aunt Ella Owens, of Nashville, TN; his brothers, Eugene Jr. and Norris (Katrice) Gilbert; his sisters, Mary E. Johnson, Beverly J. (Guy) Harney, Patricia A. Gilbert, and Eugenia Madison; his beloved nieces/adopted daughters, Regena Gilbert-Jarrell and Florence “PV” Williams, whom he thought were his personal assistants—they would run his errands, pay his bills, or even come to his aid in the middle of the night because he couldn’t remember how to re-program his remote—LOL! In addition, his oldest nephew, Ronald L. Robinson, showed his love all the way from Washington by sending his uncle lunch money for the soul food he loved so dearly; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and other close relatives and friends. Finally, his dedicated friends, Jackie Boy, who was as close to him as his biological brothers, and Debbie Barnett, who helped him tremendously throughout his life.

David will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him, but his legacy will live on in our hearts. We honor his memory, his love, and a life well lived.