Genevieve Gilbert Obituary

In Loving Memory of Genevieve (née Cooks) Gilbert February 16, 1936 - June 15, 2025

Genevieve Gilbert passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 15, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born in Mississippi on February 16, 1936, , raised in Chicago, and made her home in Victorville, California for the past 40 years. Here, she became a cherished member of her community and a devoted congregant of the Victorville First Church of the Nazarene.

Genevieve led a life marked by deep faith, sharp wit, and unwavering love for her family. She was proud of her time volunteering as a librarian at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. A lifelong advocate for her community, she was a dedicated member of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)-receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for her service-and also participated actively in the local NAACP.

Feisty and spirited to the very end, Genevieve loved Jesus, her grandchildren, and her sons-in that order, she often said with a smile. Though she could be thorny when the mood struck, her quiet generosity ran deep. It was a love that showed itself in small, lasting ways to those who knew her best.

Genevieve had far too many friends to count and leaves behind a wide circle of family and loved ones who are still reeling from the loss of her presence.

She now joins her beloved husband, Harold Gilbert, in the afterlife.

She is survived by her loving son Leslie Charles Gilbert and his wife Misty (née Clark) Gilbert; her sister Delores "Lois" (née Cooks) Lightfoot; her grandchildren Abigail Rose Gilbert, Rylie Jordan Gilbert, Charlee Nicole Gilbert, and Journey Genevieve Gilbert; her step-grandchildren Christian Alexander Perez, Noah Xander Christopher Clark, Monique Nichole Clark, and Kiianna Layla Clark, along with Kiianna's husband Jonathan Plascencia; her great-granddaughter Willow Kaitlee Taylor; her step-great-grandchildren Kameron Xavier Plascencia and Beatrix Rebel Plascencia. She is also survived by her godson Jason Corey Brown, her goddaughter Na'toya (née Alfred) Mims, and her adopted son Jim Pinto, along with his wife Yun.

Memorial services will be held on July 3rd at 11am at the Victorville First Church of the Nazarene. The service will be open to the public. Genevieve would have wanted everyone to come with warmth in their hearts and joy in their memories of her.

Her two sons will offer eulogies, along with several grandchildren who wish to share their memories.

Genevieve Gilbert was deeply loved and will be dearly missed.