Dr. J.C. Gilbert

On Palm Sunday, March 24th, Dr. J.C. Gilbert Jr., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and grandchildren at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he had spent over 40 years in the practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a profession he adored. Dr. Gilbert was the son of a Methodist minister, Dr. J.C. Gilbert Sr. and Annie Loreen Gilbert of Jackson, TN. One of 6 children, he was predeceased by his older sister, Helen Gilbert Fesmire (Warren), and survived by his sisters Rebecca May (George), Lora Elizabeth Farris (Mike), his "little brothers" Paul Gilbert and John Henderson Gilbert (Susan). Dr. Gilbert is also survived by his wife of 57 years, Carrie Jean, his sons, Dr. Richard Clay Gilbert (Sara) of Louisville, KY, John Gregory "Gig" Gilbert (Lori) of Asheville, NC, and his adored daughter Shelby Lynne Brown (Brice), 8 grandchildren - Carter (Jessica), Carrie Clore Reinhardt (Brandon), Mason and Drew Brown, Susannah and Lindsey Gilbert of Louisville, KY, Shelby and Chloe Gilbert of Asheville, NC, and two great- grandchildren, Noah and Skylar. To say he loved his family is an error- he worshipped them all! Family always came FIRST! J.C. was born in Jackson, Tennessee, on June 22, 1925. After graduating from Dyer High School in Dyer, Tennessee, he served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during WWII. He especially enjoyed his time in the Philippines, learning little Philippines tunes, which he freely sang every time he met someone from that part of the world. He attended Lambuth University for pre-med and graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, in 1951. Following his medical training, he interned at Miami Jackson and returned to Memphis for 2 years; a Pathology residency followed by 3 years residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He then came to Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he practiced for over 40 years. He always said he felt extremely fortunate because he felt he had spent his life doing exactly what God intended him to do! He loved having ex-patients come up to him, and identify themselves as someone he had delivered - and it happened often! While in college, Dr. Gilbert was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was elected to "Who's who in American Colleges and Universities." He was a member of Phi Rho Sigma Medical Fraternity and served as president during his senior year. Dr. Gilbert was a member of the American College of Ob-Gyn and chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Broward General Hospital in Fort Lauderdale. J.C. served on the Museum of Art board for 20 years, the Planning and Zoning Board and the Environmental Quality Control Board for the city of Fort Lauderdale. He was a faithful member of Rotary Club, with perfect attendance for over 40 years. Dr. Gilbert was a past Commodore of the Lauderdale Yacht Club. After retiring at age 71, he realized a lifetime dream of owning a farm - on a beautiful mountaintop between Cashiers and Highlands, NC, where he planted flowering trees and plants of all kinds. Just two weeks ago he travelled to North Carolina to see his daffodils beginning to blossom - He loved the beauties of natures. Also, one of his loves was that of music, which he loved everything from classical to country. He was an affiliate member of First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, and especially loved the music program there, along with his involvement with the Men's Bible Study Group. J.C. had a lifetime love of history, antiques, and art. He loved travelling with friends- especially with old friends. He and Carrie Jean traveled the world, but the best part of it was just being together. Celebration of life services will be held by Dr. Douglas Brouwer at First Presbyterian Church, 401 S.E. 15th Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on Wednesday, April 3, at 11 o'clock a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to: The First Presbyterian Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL or First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, N.C., 471 Main Street Highlands, N.C. 28741 or The Impact Youth Ministry at Rio Vista Community Church, 880 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.