Obituary

Elizabeth Ann (Lee) Gilbert passed away peacefully at home in Greer, South Carolina on September 20, 2026, after a brief but intense battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved family.

Elizabeth was born on June 15, 1960, to Robert and Elina Lee in Whittier, California. After pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, fueled by her deep love for children and learning, she moved to Okinawa, Japan, where she taught English for three years. On April 15, 1987, she married the love of her life, Gary Gilbert. In 1993, Elizabeth and Gary relocated from California to South Carolina, where they were blessed to raise their family and faithfully serve the Lord together for 39 years.

While she held a degree in education, Elizabeth chose her true calling as a stay-at-home mother, dedicating her life to raising her thirteen children. She was a devoted Christian who intentionally taught her children to love Scripture, live fully surrendered to God, and allow God’s Word to direct their thoughts, words, and actions. Scripture was the foundation of Elizabeth’s life; she firmly believed that God’s Word lasts forever, offering hope and encouragement through every trial. Among her most cherished verses were Psalm 25:14, Psalm 19:14, John 20:29, Luke 19:39-40, and Psalm 139:23-24.

Elizabeth was a vibrant part of the Morningside Baptist Church family for several years. Throughout her lifetime, she joyfully invested her talents in a variety of church ministries. She sang in adult choirs, loved singing hymns for special music, and shared her love of music by leading children’s choirs and teaching kids to sing. A gifted musician, she loved playing the piano and guitar, and she frequently expressed her heart through writing poetry. Elizabeth also possessed a deep love for people, spending countless hours in hospital visitation, preparing meals, hosting home fellowships, teaching Sunday School and VBS, and visiting friends throughout the community.

Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband, Gary; their thirteen children: Justin (Kayli), Jennie Watt (Mike), Jordan, Joseph, Joy Quebe (Tim), Janelle, Jeremiah, Josiah (Ever), Jerusha, JuliaAnn, Joelle Jean (Rome), Judah, and Jala; and ten grandchildren. She is also survived by four sisters and one brother, and was preceded in death by one sister.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love and prayers extended to them during this time of mourning. Elizabeth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be forever missed, but her legacy of faith lives on.

Service Information: A Memorial Service celebrating Elizabeth’s life will be held at Morningside Baptist Church on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). For out-of-town family and friends unable to attend in person, a live broadcast will be available at morningside.org/livestream-video.

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Zion’s Hope and/or Samaritan’s Purse. Elizabeth deeply loved traveling to Orlando, Florida to attend Bible conferences at Zion’s Hope and cherished taking her children to the Holy Land Experience there. This ministry had a profound impact on her life and the lives of her family.