February 1, 1935 – April 6, 2023
Gilbert was a lifelong resident of Petersburg, VA, and attended Petersburg Public Schools. He was employed by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, Petersburg General Hospital, Kozak Beverages and Petersburg Public Schools. Gilbert was a member of Springfield Baptist Church and later joined Bethany Baptist Church of Petersburg, VA, where he was a member of the male chorus and usher board.
He was an avid Washington Commanders fan. He enjoyed watching sports and had a love for WWE wrestling entertainment. He enjoyed and loved his family dearly. His saying to us always was “love goes a long way.” His favorite restaurant was Outback Steakhouse. He will be remembered for his hard work, integrity, determination and selflessness. He was a devoted father, awesome grandfather, great grandfather and uncle.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther Walker; his wife, Tulia Kates Brown; son Gilbert Brown, Jr.; daughter, Theresa Bell; grandson, Randall Brown; and two sisters, Isabelle Turner and Gloria Matthews.
Gilbert leaves to cherish his memories to his devoted daughters, Wanda, Pamela, Dorcas Brown of Petersburg, VA and Joycelyn Brister of Newark,NJ; a host of grandchildren, devoted Nicole, Shimeka, Quatica, Rashaun, Chastady Brown and Kenara Dixon (Marvin) all of Petersburg, VA, Angelina, Kenny, Tony Brown and Steven Bell of New Jersey; a host of great grandchildren, devoted N’Kayla, Rashaun Jr., Alaysia, Azavion, Na’Kwon, Quayana, Cameron Brown, Kailynn Dixon and JaNiyah White all of Petersburg; a host of nieces and nephews too numerous to name among them devoted nephew, Michael Kates, Sr. and niece, Gilda Turner who was his caregiver; adopted grandson, Kermit Diggs, Jr. lifelong friend, Henry Parrish of Petersburg, VA; extended families, McKenzie, Diggs, Hanks and Williams.
The family is grateful for the loving care extended by Christine Johnson and Janice Craig of Wonder City Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Hopewell, VA, and Liberty Dialysis of Petersburg, VA
Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Thursday, April 13, 2023 in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Damion T. Batts, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
