Shirley Jean Gilbert's Obituary
Shirley Jean Gilbert, 86 years old of Jefferson, TX passed away peacefully at her residence on December 13, 2025.
She was born on May 11, 1939, in Corning, Arkansas to cotton farmers, Joseph and Essie Gilbert. As a part of a historic 1930’s sharecropper’s life, she grew up in a large family of 13 brothers and sisters. Following her siblings, she had high hopes of a better life and sought an education. She went to the University of Arkansas A&M. She became a dedicated nurse and part time missionary. She found pure joy in sunsets and mountain vistas. Shirley was loved by her family and friends and well known for her generosity and kindness.
Mrs. Gilbert is preceded in life and lovingly remembered by her children:
Rhonda Sanders (husband Norm) of Marshall, Texas, Glenda LaMaster of Hayward, California (stillborn), Dennis LaMaster (wife Grace) of Longview, Texas, Leland LaMaster of Jefferson, Texas, Joy LaMaster of Lake Tahoe, California (deceased).
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Lauren LaMaster, Greg LaMaster, Brian Rife, Leah Kelly, Olivia Salazar (husband Gil), Sarah LaMaster, Laura Case (husband Doug), Julie Katherine Englerth (husband Chris), Leslie Black (husband Troy), Taylor Vaught (husband Zach), Grace E. LaMaster, Clark LaMaster (wife Claire), Jane Anne Hunter (husband Christian), and Scott LaMaster (wife Natalie). She is also survived by her sisters:
Jorita Franks of Idaho, Doris Callison of California, and Joyce Elliott (husband Alvin) of Nevada.
Many unnamed but dearly loved friends, in-laws, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, from all over are in our prayers and thoughts as we celebrate Shirley Gilbert’s life. A service will be held at Rader Funeral Home, Longview, TX 12:00 noon on Monday, December 22, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to High Ridge Longview Missionary Fund, a cause close to her heart.
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