1966 Roar R. L. Turner High School Carrollton, Dallas Co., Texas Senior Class Tennis Team

OBITUARY Gilbert Jackie Laverne Gilbert, 63, passed away peacefully August 8, 2011. She was born in Dallas, Texas to Jethel Gilbert and Doris Laverne Gilbert (Miller) on April 7, 1948. Jackie was an excellent athlete earning a tennis scholarship to Navarro Junior College. She continued on to become a proud graduate of Baylor University, then completed her education earning a Masters Degree in Education from Tarleton State University. A born teacher and leader, Jackie began teaching and coaching in Waco and San Antonio taking 3 Varsity volleyball and 4 Varsity basketball teams to the state finals. She was named Coach of the Year twice, in 1970 for volleyball and in 1977 for basketball. After moving to Houston, she became the Athletic Director at Pershing Middle School and later filled that roll at Chavez High School. Jackie concluded her 30 year teaching career in the Cypress Fairbanks School District teaching English at Cy- Falls High School. Jackie was a fantastic cook and took immense pleasure entertaining and feeding family and friends. Her smoked brisket and ribs are legendary. The love of Jackie's life was the 25 years she served as Umpire-in- Chief for the West University Softball Association. She made lifelong friendships with families as their daughters passed through the softball ranks. The league recognized her devotion by naming a field after her and she considered it the proudest moment of her life. True to her Texas roots, Jackie lived a BIG life. She touched countless lives though her teaching, coaching and umpiring. Her beautiful smile and positive attitude will be missed by many. Jackie is preceded in death by her parents, Jethel (Jack) and Laverne Gilbert. She leaves behind her brother Dan Gilbert, his wife Holly, her two nephews Chris and Casey Gilbert, and life partner Julie Hays. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Lexington Place, Compassionate Care hospice and Amazing Place for their patience and care. Those wishing to honor Jackie's memory contributions would be appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association, Amazing Place, 3735 Drexel, Houston, TX 77027 or the Houston SPCA 900 Portway, Houston, TX 77024. A gathering to celebrate Jackie Gilbert's life is pending. Published in Houston Chronicle on Aug. 14, 2011

Notes:

• In Memoriam - R. L. Turner High School - Class of 1966
• Her parents are buried in the Caves Springs Cemetery, Linden, Cass County, Texas
• www.FindAGrave.com   Memorial #196417261