Shirley Gilbert

Shirley Mae ‘Kelly’ Allen Gilbert was born on June 26, 1949, in Crewe, Virginia, the baby girl to the late Dorothy Allen and Thaddeus Loufton Dyson. She departed this earthly home on October 20,2022 surrounded by her family. Shirley moved to Chester, Pennsylvania in 1959 at the age of 10. She and her sister Florence Allen Murray were raised by their aunt Flora Hanks affectionately known as ‘Nannie’. Shirley also gained a brother when she moved to Chester in Sherwood ‘Boy’ Allen. Nannie was instrumental in raising Kelly in a home filled with love, discipline and structure which she then passed on to her own children, grandchildren and great grandson. Great food was a staple in her home and was used as a way of nurturing the soul of her family and friends. Kelly would say “Nannie was one of the best cooks in Chester”. Shirley was educated in the Chester Upland School District attending Dewey Mann Elementary, Pulaski Junior High School and she graduated from Chester High School class of 1968. Upon graduation, Shirley went to work at the Boeing Company and eventually came to work for Crozer Chester Medical Center where she held many positions including, respiratory therapy, laundry services and housekeeping which all allowed her to love on people as that was her heart’s desire. Shirley met the love of her life in Gary Gilbert and the two dated throughout high school. The high school sweethearts were married in 1969 and from this union of pure love came their two beautiful daughters, Chilita ‘Shelly’ Gilbert-Toogood and Bridgett Gilbert-Johns. Their girls meant everything to Gary and Shirley, and they raised them with a focus on love, togetherness, respect and perseverance. Shirley’s passion for people often drove her actions. When she discovered a love for the Lord, her passions grew to new heights. Shirley followed God’s lead and attended Eastern University in pursuit of a degree in Theology. She became an ordained minister in 1987 and became a true evangelist for the Kingdom of God. Whenever you were in Shirley’s presence you were sure to hear about the goodness of Jesus and how His grace and mercy would sustain you. She loved her family most in this world and entrusted them to the Lord. To have known her was to love her. Her legacy of love and faith in the word of God will live on in her family forever. One of her favorite scriptures to share was Psalm 91 ‘The Protection of the Most High.’ Shirley enjoyed reading the bible and spreading the good word, whether it included visiting nursing homes, passing out tracks, or welcoming you in her home for bible study. She had a heart of gold, and you could feel the love coming from her hugs and special kisses. If you know about those kisses you can count yourself as one of the fortunate ones. Shirley leaves to cherish her memory: Daughters Chilita ‘Shelly’ Gilbert Toogood (Robert), Bridgett Gilbert-Johns (Damon) all from Middletown, Delaware. Three sisters that preceded her in death Florence Allen Murray, Thelma L. Dickerson and Velma Mae Allen; two living sisters Robin L. and Velma ‘Pixie’ Dyson. Three brothers Sherwood ‘Boy’ Allen (Chester Township), Sydnay ‘Buster’ Matthews and Thaddeus ‘Butch’ Dyson (Maryland). Seven grandchildren: Jasmine Toogood, Damon L. Johns Jr., Bruce R. Miller III, B’Ahmad T. Miller, Robert ‘RJ’ Toogood III, Gabryel S. Johns and Gavin S. Johns and one great grandson, Masen C. Toogood. One special cousin, Michael Allen. Two longtime friends; Linda Strand and Myra Seth and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors and fellow soldiers in Christ. Lovingly Submitted, The Family

Shirley Gilbert

June 26, 1949 - October 20, 2022