FLORENCE PARKER GILBERT

Florence Parker Gilbert, 91, of Parker, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 28, 2007. She was born on November 9, 1916 in Parker and was one of the original pioneers. She and her husband owned and operated the first grocery store in Parker. She also held the honor of being the first lady of the first Mayor of Parker, Earl Gilbert, during his 24 years of service. She was a lifetime member of the Panama City Woman's Club. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Panama City and the Joyful Servants Sunday School Class, as well as a Sunday school teacher. She was a loving wife and dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a gracious and giving lady and will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Thomas Earl Gilbert, parents, Charles and Jessie Parker, two sisters, Edwina Sweeney, Virginia Thomas and brother, Charles Parker. She is survived by her three daughters, Sharon Caister and husband John, Julie Gilbert, Nancy Holmes and husband Bobby, all of Parker, three grandchildren, Teri Hitchcock and husband, Richard, of Jacksonville, Melissa King and husband, Ty, of Pensacola, Robert Earl Holmes, of Parker, three great grandchildren, Skye, Trista and Tori King, two sisters, Peggy McDonough, of Mobile, AL, Carolyn Roberts, of Parker, two sister-in-laws, Frances Gilbert, Addie Ruth Gilbert, both of Parker and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 2, 2007 at the First Baptist Church of Panama City with Dr. Craig Conner and Rev. Clyde Ellison officiating. Interment will follow in Parker Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 6 - 8 p.m. Those desiring may make memorial donations to the First Baptist Church of Panama City Building Fund, P.O. Box 1200, Panama City, FL 32402 in memory of Florence Gilbert.

Wilson Funeral Home