Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mother Annabelle Cassandra Wallace Gilbert was called to forever abide with our Heavenly Father in the early morning of Wednesday, January 11, 2023. Mother Gilbert was born to Isaiah Thomas Wallace and Annie Mai Foy Wallace in Mullens, WV. She was raised with her four siblings, William Thomas ”Sonny” Wallace, John Wallace, Edward Wallace, and Jacqueline Adean Wallace Daniels, all deceased.

Annabelle graduated from Bluefield State College on August 24, 1950, with the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. She taught school for several years in Wyoming County WV.

Annabelle Wallace was united in marriage on September 12, 1953, in Pineville, WV to Catamus Gilbert. Together they raised eight amazing children. Alongside her husband Annabelle was an avid gardener and horticulturist. Her seamstress abilities were remarkable. Her culinary skills were masterful. Annabelle loved to host dinner parties at home. She had a unique flair for hospitality. Out of all her amazing life’s work, her greatest accomplishment was that she instilled the love and reverence of God in her children and grandchildren. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

Sis. Annabelle accepted Christ into her life at an early age at Pentecostal Holy Church under the leadership of Elder Willie Schofield Sr. Evangelist Gilbert received her Pastoral Evangelist Credentials in August of 1980 from the United Holy Church of America, under the direction of Bishop Alvester McConnell. Evangelist Gilbert will be remembered for her tremendous service to several area churches, New Bethel Temple UHC and Outreach for Christ Christian Center, Rev. Thomas Steelman, pastor.

Affectionately known as “Mother Gilbert” she was a devoted and beloved member of Faith Temple of Deliverance TPC under the pastorship of Bishop Bob Tunstalle. Until her health failed her, she was actively involved in the Women’s Ministry, the Nutrition Ministry, the Missions Ministry and Sunday School. She served as Mother of the Church and was asked to serve as District Mother of the WV District Triumphant Pentecostal Church. Mother Gilbert loved the Lord, and she loved Church. Mother Gilbert was and will always be remembered as a Church Pioneer.

Mother Annabelle Gilbert was preceded in death by her husband, sons, Robert Wayne Gilbert, Elder John Ward, Catamus Gilbert Jr., and spiritual son, Rev. Curtis Thompson.

Mother Annabelle’s loving memory will be cherished by her beautiful children, William Timothy (Stella) Gilbert, Gracie Darlene Bradbury, both of Beckley, Oneida LaVerne Gilbert (Frederick Brown) of NC, Connie LeVoria (Kenneth Jr.) Starkey of Beckley, Carol Belinda Wallace (Steven New) of Florida and a loving cousin William Craig Sr. of OK. She is also cherished by fifteen extraordinary grandchildren, twelve wonderful step-grandchildren and a host of awesome great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, spiritual children, friends and loved ones. You were all near and dear to her heart.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Manna House Ministries 700 F. St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Bowers Hospice House 921 W Neville St, Beckley, WV 25801.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.