Mary Magdalene Gilbert

Mary Magdalene Gilbert was born on August 15, 1911 to the union of the late, Jerry and Martha Toliver in Lignum, Virginia. She grew up in Culpepper, Virginia with her four brothers and four sisters. She was educated in the public school system of Culpepper, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents and 7 of her siblings, two husbands, two children, and a host of grandchildren.

In the early 1920's, she moved to Harford County, Maryland and married Sylvester Stevenson. From this union they became the loving and devoted parents of 3 daughters, Edna Stevenson, Mary Bowser, and Bernice Stuckey. Unfortunately, her husband passed when her children were young. Love bloomed again, and she married Henry Burley Gilbert. Later in their life, they raised their granddaughter, Mary C. Stevenson who was like a daughter to them. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert had a long loving relationship until his passing on March 26, 1980.

Mary was such a hard-worker that devoted over 60 years to being a housekeeper. In November 1979, she symbolized her dedication to Jehovah God by water baptism. Throughout the years, she took advantage of the opportunities to auxiliary pioneer as often as possible. She served as a faithful servant of Jehovah in the Joppa Congregation until her death on December 27, 2009. She was dearly loved by many who came in contact with her because they enjoyed her quick, witty, personality. A woman who was never short for words, will be greatly missed by all.

Leaving to cherish her memory is one sister, Willie Lee Wilson; one daughter, Bernice Stuckey; three granddaughters, Mary C. Stevenson, Gail Bowser, Faye Amoroso (husband Ian); three grandsons, Clarence Wise (wife Faye), Larry Wise (wife Yvonne), and David Townes; two great-granddaughters, Nicole M. Matthews (husband Brandon), Vonzolia A. Jackson, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.