Mrs. Isabella White “Honey” Gilbert, 87, of Albany, Georgia departed this life on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at her residence in Albany, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel Hill Baptist Church, 720 Pretoria Road, Newton, Georgia 39870.

Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, 200 Cotton Ave, Albany, Georgia 31701.

Livestream will be posted at a later date.

Isabella White Gilbert was born on May 2, 1937, the last child to Litton White, Sr., and Mary Jane (Barnes) White in Newton, Georgia. She was known as “Honey” or “Aunt Honey” to family and friends. She graduated from East Baker High School where she played basketball.

Her siblings were David White, Litton White, Jr., Ruby McComb, and Annie Mae Bailey. She loved her brothers but had a special bond with her sisters. They talked on the phone regularly, wrote letters to each other, and sent greeting cards on birthdays and holidays.

Isabella’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was baptized at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in 1949 at the age of 12 and remained a devoted member for 75 years. Her daily Bible readings and unwavering commitment to tithing were a testament to her faith. Her nightly conversations with her Savior, on her hands and knees, reflected her deep spiritual connection. She embodied the teachings of Christ by selflessly supporting her church, family, and friends.

She married Perry Lee Gilbert in Mitchell County on August 12, 1963. Their marriage lasted for 57 years until his death. They gave birth to their only son, Roderick Perry Gilbert, whom she loved and was proud of. She departed her life on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at her home.

She worked various jobs but was primarily a homemaker. She was the caretaker of her late mother. When her son was younger, she would help him with his schoolwork, taking him to school, band practices, doctor appointments, and the YMCA. She was known for making tasteful cakes and pies which were in high demand by family and friends. She loved planting roses and flowers and caring for her German Shepherds.

She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; sisters-in-law, Annie Ruth Isom, Annie Watkins, Essie Mae Gilbert, and Irene Gilbert; and brothers-in-law, Joe Gilbert, Jr., Eddie Roy Gilbert, and Nathaniel Mitchel.

She leaves cherished memories with her son, Roderick Gilbert; and sisters-in- law, Flossie Mickens and Maggie Whitus.

Jackie Reese, Yvonne Reese, Alma Blakely, and Mildred Faison were her first cousins. They loved her so much. They assisted her son during her declining health by preparing meals, braiding her hair, and sitting with her.

She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special acknowledgements goes to Reverend Anthony Holt and Sister Marie Barrett. Reverend Holt carried her to doctor appointments and sat with her during hospital stays. He performed her last rites before her passing. Sister Marie Barrett carried her tithe to church and cooked some food.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.