Juanita O'Neal Gilbert

Mrs. Juanita O’Neal Gilbert

Evans, GA – Mrs. Juanita O’Neal Gilbert, age 82 beloved wife of the late Bruce Gilbert entered into rest on Monday, February 22, 2010 at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Platt’s Belair Road Chapel with the Reverend Pat Williams officiating. Interment to follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens.

Juanita was a lifelong resident of Martinez, born to Gus and Marie O’Neal in 1928. She graduated from Evans High School as the Salutatorian of the Class of 1944. She worked at Fort Gordon as an Administrative Assistant during World War II. She later became the first paid employee of the Martinez Volunteer Fire Department as the dispatcher and office manager and a second mother to the firemen whom she worked with and loved. She retired after 30 years of service. Her greatest joy was that of being a mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were the sparkle in her eyes and the love of her life. She was an avid fan of whatever sport they were participating in and always on the bleachers cheering them on. Family was always first in her heart, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Juanita was a very special sister to her dear brothers and sisters. Her home was always a warm and welcoming place where there was always plenty to eat and much laughter around the table. She was always a protector to all of her family. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling with her children and brothers, reading with a good cup of coffee, and most especially watching her Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs.

Mrs. Gilbert is survived by her two sons, Nick Amato and wife Jane of Mooresville, NC and Allan Gilbert and wife Tonya of Edgefield, SC; her daughter, Sharon Kline and husband Lester of Martinez; her two brothers, Tommy O’Neal and partner Bob Allen of Appling, GA and Sonny O’Neal of Lauderhill, FL; her sister, Frances Dennis of Martinez; her six grandchildren, Matthew Brosious and wife Sara, Heather Brosious O’Dell and husband Ty, Daniel Kline, Tara Gilbert, Noah Gilbert, and LeAnn Gilbert.

Mrs. Gilbert was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Gilbert; her daughter, Janice Brosious; her brother, Gus O’Neal, Jr.; and her sisters, Betty Smith and Martha Mahaffey.

Pallbearers will be Fred Whelan, Ty O’Dell, Chuck Mahaffey, Mike Jenkins, Tommy Rhoden, and Glen Short.

Honorary pallbearers will be members and employees of the Martinez Fire Department.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening February 24, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.