Silvia Eleanora Gilbert, age 78, of Columbus, Mississippi and formerly of Tucson, Arizona went to her heavenly home July 31st from Columbus Baptist Hospital and is now among the angels who watch from above.

Her greatest joys on earth were family, friends, fun, and helping those less fortunate than herself. Silvia opted to make her family and those in need priority one, leaving a legacy of love that will remain in our hearts forever.

She supported and accompanied her military husband in frequent travels across the country and abroad while taking care of a young family as he worked selflessly in service to the country. Aside from their love of each other and family, they both deeply enjoyed traveling to new places, music, and dancing to their favorite live bands.

The friendships she developed were deep and close, allowing them to see each other through the best and most challenging of times.

Her family and friends were never surprised by her zest for life and outgoing and adventurous spirit. She always left them wondering what she would be up to next.

Her compassion for others was deep and genuine. As her young family got older, she spent many winters walking through the streets of North Dakota to bring people out of the cold, help cook, serve, find clothes, shelter, and feed the underserved in that area. She was active in her church groups and spent countless hours volunteering with the Salvation Army, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in her efforts to support worthy causes.

Silvia was born April 3,1946 and is survived by her husband of 58 years, Retired Master Sergeant Russell E. Gilbert Jr., daughter and son-in-law, Silvia M. and Wayne Larson, and son and daughter-in-law Antoine A. and Cheryl Gilbert, grandchildren Lee C. Larson, Sidney R. Larson, Jacob Pounders, Whitney Reyes (Joshua), Olivia Jones (Brookes), and great-grandchildren Mackenzie Larson, Carter, Alianna and Alexis Pounders, Brady and Bayland Jones, and Alijah and Noah Reyes, along with great friends Warren Pounders and many others.

She is preceded in death by her parents Via Mary and Martin O. Schmidt, and dearest of friends Sheila and Marianne, who have now been joined together in their heavenly home.

The visitation will be Monday, August 5, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS.  Funeral services will be Monday, August 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS with Bro. Kenny Gardner officiating.  Burial will follow at North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS.  Lowndes Funeral Home entrusted with the arrangments.

We wish to thank everyone who cared for Mom over the years for their care and friendship.