VIEWING: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 Time: 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

SERVICE: Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Time: 12:00 PM Temple Gate RZUA Church, 405 South Hill Avenue, South Hill, VA 23970 Rev. Dwayne Bell, Eulogist

INTERMENT: West View-East Cemetery, Halifax Street, South Hill, VA

DEACON GILBERT YVERJUS LUSTER, son of the late Gilbert and the late Allie Mae Thompson Staples Luster, was bon December 12, 1955 in Mecklenburg County, VA and departed this life August 17, 2022 in VCU-Community Memorial Hospital, South Hill, VA. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Jacqueline L. Ross, Henry A. Staples, and Deacon Robert Staples.

At an early age he was baptized and joined Free Union RZUA Church, Bracey, VA. He was a 1974 graduate of Park View Senior High.

On December 27, 1974 Gilbert married his high school sweetheart, Delores Gwendolyn Bell.

He was employed in several jobs, BGF Industries in South Hill, Velvet Textile Company in Blackstone, VA and Peebles Distribution in South Hill, VA until he became disabled.

Gilbert was a member of Morning Star Apostolic Church in LaCrosse, VA where he was ordained as a Deacon under the leadership of the late Bishop V.B. Braxton. He was also Acting Sunday School Superintendent and sexton of the church under the current leader, Elder E.L. Braxton Thomas.

Gilbert was an avid fisherman; he was more interested in the peace and quiet than how many fish he caught. He was a dedicated fan of the Washington Redskins, now called the Commanders. He loved gardening and cutting grass. His community involvement included being President of Twin Oaks Neighborhood Watch and attending South Hill Town Council Meetings with his wife. He was also the owner and operator of Craf-Tee Designs until his health began to fail.

Gilbert leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife- Councilwoman Delores Bell Luster of the home; three brothers- Samuel (Diedadra) Staples, Rawlings, VA; Delbert (Carolyn) Luster, Richmond, VA and Anthony “Tony” (Lucy) Luster, Portsmouth, VA; two young men he took into his home and guided them in the right directions and they became his caregivers whom he called them his sons- Donovan Jones and Isaiah Nettles; three aunts- Louise (Ben) Johnson, High Point, NC; Snow E. Keene, South Hill, VA and Dorothy Thompson, LaCrosse, VA; one uncle- Charles Thompson, East Orange, NJ; In-laws, Emma Staples, Alberta, VA; Woodrow Ross, and Richard “Ricky” (Shirley) Boyd, both of South Hill, VA; Pastor Deborah Jackson, Richmond, VA; Charles Bell, Hopewell, VA; Bishop Duane (Patricia) Bell, and Dwight Bell all of Richmond, VA; Godchildren- Bryant and Vanessa Bell, Gracie Johnson, Nancy Thacker and Mary Davidson; devoted friends- Andrew (Diane) Russell, Deacon Dannie Simmons and Deaconess Delores Simmons and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Asking ALL attendees to please wear a mask.