Barbara Parks Gilbert

Barbara Parks Gilbert
Mrs. Barbara Parks Gilbert, 79, of Winston-Salem, passed away Friday, December 18, 2015 surrounded by her loving family at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home following an extended battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was born February 27, 1936 in Spartanburg County, SC to Lewis and Beatrice Parks.
Barbara grew up in the small mill village of Startex, SC along with many extended family members. In her last months, she often referenced 'crossing the river' there, remembering her childhood in Startex most clearly at times.
She met and married her lifelong love, Cecil W. Gilbert of Cooley Springs, SC when she was merely 19 years old and they treasured 59 wonderful years of marriage before Cecil's passing in February, 2015. Their devotion to one another was unsurpassed and an example to all they encountered of a sacrificial Christian marriage. Barbara and Cecil moved to Winston-Salem in 1959 and eventually became founding members of Oak Forest United Methodist Church where Barbara participated in the UMW for many years. She retired from Lucia, Inc. after 22 years of service in the accounting department. She and Cecil enjoyed a fulfilling retirement taking several bus trips with their church family, loving on their children and grandchildren, and serving in their church and community.
Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Parks and her beloved husband, Cecil Gilbert. Surviving are three devoted children: a daughter, Julie Ney (Richard) of Winston-Salem; two sons, Steve Gilbert (Donna) of Winston-Salem, and Barry Gilbert (Ginger Gallagher) of Lewisville, and five adoring grandchildren, Olivia, Reese, and Cooper Ney and Seth and Sarah Gilbert. Our faithful Mother prayed us through all of life's challenges and loved each one of us in a unique way and now we send her Home for complete healing and to be reunited with those she loved who went before her.
A funeral service will be held at Oak Forest United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 2:00pm with Rev. Darren Alexander officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00pm until 2:00pm Saturday at the church. Memorials may be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
Special thanks to Barbara's treasured family at Oak Forest and her co-workers who all enriched her life and enjoyed many good meals and memories together. Also, a special thank you to the staff at both Mallard Ridge Assisted Living and Kate B .Reynolds Hospice Home for their care of our Mama/Nana and for your support to our family.
Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.