Valeria Gilbert

Valeria Gilbert, age 92, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Northside Hospital Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, GA. The Celebration of Life was held at Victory Church-Norcross. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. Valeria was born on July 21, 1933, in Hope, Arkansas, the daughter of Rosie Hill and Curtis Armstrong. She was raised by "Special Parents", Bishop Louis (Prudie) Dixon. She was a 1953 graduate of DuSable High School in Chicago, IL. Right after graduating from high school Valeria moved to Flint, MI where she met the love of her life, Lones Gilbert. Together, they raised a blended family of 7 children. In the late 60's and early 70's Valeria worked at Oak Elementary School so she could keep an eye on her children, nieces and nephews. When the last two (Tonya and Junior) left Oak Elementary School she became a stay-at-home mom. She came to know Christ at her father's church, Church of The Living God Temple 120, where she sang in a group with her twin sister (Vera) called the "Dixon Specials." She enjoyed being a wife and mother. She raised countless children that were not hers, her house and heart had an open door. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, traveling and reading her Bible. The highlight of her life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved the Lord and is now present with Him. She leaves to cherish her memories: Daughters Kathy Edwards, Tonya Clark, Tamra Pink, Linda (Benjamin) Simon, Brenda Holmes, Gwendolyn (Leonard) Cole, and sons Lones (Elaine) Gilbert Jr., Shelton (Evelyn) Gilbert. Nephew/sons: Tracy Frank and Joseph Ford Jr. Grandchildren: Joey (Evaett) (Whoodie), Joe'l (Deijia), Victoria (NuNu), Steve Jr., Brandon, Jeremy (Linda), Oliver III, Heather, O'juan, Talisha, Tianna, Travis, Shelton Jr. (Scoomie), Tressela, Rena (NaiNucie), Benildis, Covana (CoCo), Benjamin Jr., Phelan, Philemon, Penter, Philana, Monique, Clauneas, Martez, Island, DaCari, Jabulani, Malaika, Kitomila. Very special great- grandchildren: Jadin, Sean, Kai, Kobe, Ameer, Mia, Amarion, Lyric, Lanai, Ava, Saleenia, Skyleigh, Jeremiah, Joseph Ford III, Alex and a host of great-grandchildren. Sister Rosemary (Joe) Porter, brother Darnell Hopson. Two special sisters: Brenda Whitsett and Lillian Brown, and special brother, Kenny Dixon. Special nieces: Valencia Norris, Kim Jones, Angletta Frank, Linda Davis and a host of nieces and nephews. Very special daughters: Sudie Richardson, Patricia (Rodney) Hamer and Khampheng Khonmanivong, Sherry Fails, Etoy George and Cora (Rico) Cutright. Very special lifelong friends: Shirley Waterford, Billie Edwards and Cleave (Sharon) Harrington. She is survived by a host of other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Rosie Hill, Curtis Armstrong, Louis H. Dixon (Prudie), her husband Rev. Lones Gilbert Sr., her sisters Vera Ford (twin), Verna Harden, brothers Sam Williams, and Paris Armstrong, special sister Shirley, grandson Kondwani. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday September 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm Victory Church, 5905 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071