Mary Louise Gilbert

Mary Louise Gilbert was taken home to her heavenly father on, March 21, 2018. Visitation will be held at the Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene, March 24, 2018 from 3-5 p.m. with a graveside service at the Angleton Cemetery, March 26, 2018 at 2:30. She was born on October 11, 1937 in the Texas Valley to J.C. and Audrey Graham. She would fondly share stories of her home life on the farm with her family. When she headed off to college, she rode the train to Denton to attend Texas State College for Women now known as Texas Women's University. She did wish to attend Texas A&M; however, they did not accept women at this time. She graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Home Economics. Her family benefited from her degree, enjoying her cooking and baking, and wearing the beautiful clothes she would make. Once she had grandchildren, they always requested her special ‘NaNa' cake for their birthdays. After graduation, she interned in Abilene as an extension agent for a short time. In 1959, she moved to Angleton and became an extension agent at the Brazoria County Courthouse. In the fall of 1959, a mutual friend set her up on a blind date with Spencer. On April 2, 1960, they were married at the Church of Christ in San Benito, TX. They made their home in the Angleton area where they enjoyed living most of their 53 years of marriage. They enjoyed a country home in the Sweeny area as well. They were blessed with four children with two quickly returning to heaven after their birth. Mary Louise, as most knew her, enjoyed working at the courthouse, teaching at Southside Elementary, and finally finding her passion as a church secretary for 22 years at the Wilkins and Downing Church of Christ in Angleton. Mary Louise was a faithful wife and caregiver to her husband as he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in the 24th year of their marriage. She lovingly cared for him as this devastating disease slowly took the man she loved. Her faith in the Lord carried her through many trials in her life with her children and grandchildren learning from her faith. She is survived by her daughters: Michelle Wharton and husband Eric of Waco, TX; Heather White-Burrow and husband Nathan of Abilene, TX; Grandchildren: Aaron Wharton, David White and wife, Kari, Bethany Wharton, Allison White, Micah and Caleb Burrow, and Rachel Wharton; Sister: Sandra Deyo and husband Dennis and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sons Brent Spencer and Keith Forest, son in law James B. White, sister Fonda Wren, and brother John Graham. Pall Bearers are Aaron Wharton, David White, Micah Burrow, Caleb Burrow, Stanley Petrisky, and Dillon Wick. Special thanks to Texas Home Health/Hospice nurses and therapists in Waco, TX, Visiting Angels in Waco and Abilene, Kindred Hospice in Abilene, and our church family and friends who have been in prayer for her over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Sweeny Christian School P.O. Box 156 Sweeny, TX 77480, Alzheimer's Association, or a Cancer research center of your choosing. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Mary Louise Gilbert, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Service Information Monday, March 26th, 2018 2:30pm, Angleton Cemetery 328 Cemetery Rd. Angleton, TX 77515 Interment Location Angleton Cemetery 328 Cemetery Rd. Angleton, TX 77515