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PHYLLIS GILBERT Obituary
GILBERT, 86
Polk Co. School Board
WINTER HAVEN - Phyllis Reese Gilbert, age 86, died of heart failure Monday, July 7, 2014, at Winter Haven Hospital.
She was born in Winter Haven on Jan. 8, 1928. She was a retired school teacher for the Polk County School Board, and a member of the Polk Retired Educators Association, Unit II. She was a life member of Friends of the Library, the Polk County Historical Association and the Women's Club of Winter Haven. She also received the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce Banker's Cup Award.
Ms. Gilbert is survived by her daughter Catherine Gilbert, Winter Haven.
Memorial services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jul 10, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Friends of the Library, or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for PHYLLIS GILBERT
Kathy Noelle Hargrett
July 7, 2023
Almost sixty years later, I still feel thankful for Mrs. Gilbert´s instruction. She embraced the English language and literature to the point of reaching this wild child with her enthusiasm. Bless her heart.
Lori Drummond-Cherniwchan
January 6, 2015
Very sorry to have just learned this news. A wonderful teacher and person--she instilled in me her love of literature.
Paul T. Garrett
July 12, 2014
While it saddens me to hear of Mrs. Gilbert's passing I can take solace in the joy I had of having her as one of my teachers. She was a caring inspiration to me and all of her students. Rest well and thank you, Mrs G!
New Year's Eve, 1961-62
Dawn Anderson Miquel, Sue & Swede Anderson
July 11, 2014
Mrs. Phyllis Gilbert was my mother's best friend as I was growing up. We all spent many holiday cookouts together and every New Year's Eve on a rotation at the Gilbert's, Anderson's and Carpenter's. Lots of great memories. Kate, may God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Myna Walton (nee Hamans)
July 11, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Gilbert was a wonderful teacher. She was so kind but firm with her corrections. I had her for English at Dennison in 72/73. She chose me to represent the school in a speech contest sponsored by the Rotary Club. I will never forget her!
Cathy Carson-Watson
July 11, 2014
Mrs. Gilbert was such an inspiring woman. I was privileged to have her as an English teacher and a role model for my own teaching career. She was deeply loved by all of her students and will be missed!
Deric Feacher
July 10, 2014
Phyllis Gilbert's memory will be part of the City of Winter Haven forever because of her contributions to the Friends of the Library and the community.
Sue Ramer
July 9, 2014
Phyllis was a sweet ,wonderful woman> She will be missed. Blessing to her family.
Alice Teeter
July 9, 2014
I am sad to she is no longer in this world. My condolences to Kate.
Sherrie Olson-Lindemulder
July 9, 2014
I was truly blessed to have had Mrs.Gilbert as a teacher. I only messed up once in school and it happened in her class and being the person she was...she pulled me to the side after class and we had a long talk...a talk that 34 years later I still remember. She helped form the person I became and even honored me when she invited me to come speak to her class when I was a senior at WHHS. Every student that passed through her door was loved and cared for by her. Mrs.Gilbert was more than a teacher to her students. She will be missed and remembered by all who had the pleasure and honor to have known her.
marcia hudson
July 9, 2014
We were friends for a long time and traveled together. She will be missed. My best to Kate.
Ryan Reese
July 9, 2014
What a wonderful person and better aunt you will be missed
Anne Hopper
July 9, 2014
Mrs. Gilbert was one of my favorite teachers. She helped inspire me to teach English, 9th grade I might add, and to love theater during our extra credit assignments.
Linda Clay
July 9, 2014
Mrs. Gilbert was one my mothers girl gang that ran around Buckeye Circle in the good old days. We are saddened by her passing and thinking of Kate.
Linda Shipe Clay
Margaret Taylor Gray
Lucas Taylor Clay
Lorraine Bloeth Valerino
July 9, 2014
May God grant you peace and comfort you with the knowledge that so many lives were touched by this special, unselfish woman.
Fred DeLoach
July 9, 2014
One of the best teachers I ever had and really enjoyed. She was a great lady. I continued to get to know her through seeing her at church over the years.
Kathy Noelle Hargrett
July 9, 2014
Mrs. Gilbert was my 9th grade English teacher and the best teacher of my life. She never let me misbehave and kept me right up front. She told me I had potential and I really believed her. She exposed me to literature and theater. She is the reason I can spell and punctuate and have correct usage. She was a wonderful woman. I hope her family takes peace from knowing the lasting effect she had on me and many others.
Diane Johnston-Slaybaugh
July 9, 2014
Cathy, so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. May the Lord provide you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
The Woman's Club of Winter Haven luncheon May 1, 2014
Jane McGinnis
July 9, 2014
Phyllis touched the lives of so many. Her intelligence, compassion, fervor, conversation and companship will be sorely missed.
July 9, 2014
I am sad this morning. She was a wonderful teacher and a sweet lady.
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