Betty Dicken Gilbert

Betty Jean Dicken Gilbert, (Mrs. John L.) age 88, passed away on April 20, 2014, in a Hammond, Louisiana., nursing facility, following several years of declining health. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, she graduated from Forest Hill High School. She attended Mississippi College in Clinton, where she was selected as a Freshman Beauty. Here she also met her future husband and lifelong mate, John L Gilbert, just home from serving his country in World War II. They married in 1947. She gave birth to and raised four children and spent her life as a perfect example of a Godly mother and minister's wife. She and John L. also 'adopted' several other children that they had met while traveling on the foreign mission field. Fatima Lima Garcia is one example. They met her as a teenager in Brazil, invited her to the States to live with them and provided her with a college education. Following her graduation she returned to Brazil to serve as missionary/minister there. The Gilberts spent most of their ministry in Louisiana, moving to Franklinton in 1980, where Betty was active in the First Baptist Church. Betty was often described as the perfect pastor's wife, educating about missions, teaching Sunday School and playing piano or singing in the choirs of churches John L pastored. Anybody who ever met her could say that God had never put a kinder, gentler, and caring person on earth. The term 'Sweet Spirit' does not do justice to this loving child of God. "For who can find a virtuous woman, she is worth far more than rubies. . .Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her." She is survived by her husband Rev. John L. Gilbert of Hammond, children Peter Gilbert, (Cheryl) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, David J Gilbert (Barbara) of Bryson City, North Carolina, Mark Gilbert, (Shelia) of Amite, Louisiana. and Cindy Ferrara, (David) of Albany, Louisiana,. Also survived by 14 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and by a multitude of brothers and sisters in the ministry. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Brock Dicken, Bessie Johnson Dicken, siblings Edna Brock Whitehurst, John B. Dicken, Jr, Sarah D. Johnson, and Dorothy D. Maloney, all in Jackson, Mississippi. She was also preceded in death by her grandson Seth Lavigne, of Albany, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Franklinton, La. Crain Funeral Home of Franklinton is assisting the family with arrangements. Services will the Thursday, April 24th at First Baptist Church Franklinton. Visitation will be 1 to 3 PM with the funeral beginning at 3 PM.

Betty Dicken Gilbert

December 5, 1925 - April 20, 2014

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Betty Dicken Gilbert

December 5, 1925 - April 20, 2014

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information