Marjorie Star Bright (Horne) Gilbert

May 18, 1933 – March 21, 2014

Known to nearly everyone in Bay County as "Mama Star," the legendary Marjorie Star Bright Horne Gilbert passed Friday morning surrounded by her family and friends.  Born on that once-dirt road now officially named Star Avenue, Mama Star graduated from Florida State University in 1955, and remained a true Seminole fan.  Throughout her long and love-filled life, Mama Star shaped the minds of more than three generations of students, teaching nearly every subject and nearly every elementary grade.

Mama Star leaves her loving memory to be cherished by an extended family, especially her husband and soulmate, John Leslie Gilbert, and her loving sister, Helen King.  Together, John and Mama Star blazed thousands of miles of highway – leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love.

A devoted mother to her three children, Rita Syfrett, Joseph Horne (Wanda), and Maggie Odom,  Mama Star also leaves behind twelve beloved grandchildren, Starlett Miller Massey (Andy), Julianne Hawkins, Lewis Syfrett, Joshua Horne (Brittany), Hannah Horne, Ruth Robbins, Caleb Horne (Chrissy), Anna Horne, Daniel Horne, Samuel Horne, Timothy Odom, and John Odom, and eight treasured great-grandchildren.

Mama Star filled her life with adventure, traveling the world from Africa to England (and many places in between).  She filled her home with animals too numerous to count, and she filled her heart with generosity and mischief.

Mama Star's tendency to love others as her own, as well as her strong spirit, independence, intelligence, and understated sweetness, created an extended family that knew no boundary.

This matriarch will be mourned, missed, and celebrated.

Mama Star's memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24, at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Donations may be made in honor of Marjorie Star Gilbert to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33760, www.thehospicefoundation.org .

Wilson Funeral Home