John Gilbert Sr.

John Gilbert Sr., 94, died May 16, 2012, at his home. He was born in Augusta, Ga., and lived in Port Salerno. He attended the public schools of Richmond County. He moved to Stuart in the early 1900s. He was the first African-American plumber in Martin County and was self-employed. He was a member of the Lake Street Church of Christ, Stuart, for 54 years. He was an elder and deacon and served the church in many other areas. Survivors include his wife, Rosena Gilbert of Port Salerno; sons, John Willie Gilbert Jr. of West Palm Beach, Jimmy Gilbert of Riviera Beach, and Greg Gilbert of Port St. Lucie; daughters, Alma Spearman of Riviera Beach, and Sandra Lee Jones of Indiantown; brother, Ralph Gilbert of Philadelphia; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and a host of great-great-granchildren. He was preceded in death by his children, Yvonne Gilbert, Evelyn Gilbert-Terrell, and De-ette Gilbert-Carter; and siblings, Otis Gilbert, Johnny Frank Gilbert, Curley Gilbert, Foston Gilbert Sr. and William Gilbert Jr. Services: Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. May 25 at Thorne's Mortuary Chapel, Stuart. A homegoing celebration will be at 11 a.m. May 26 at the Lake Street Church of Christ, Stuart. Burial and dove release will follow at New Monrovia Cemetery, Port Salerno. Arrangements are by Thorne's Mortuary, Stuart. A guestbook is available at www.thornesmortuary.com.