Ruby Olive Gilson (nee Taylor) passed on Easter Sunday, April 21st, 2019 at the age of 97 years old. She was born and raised in, Norwich England, on September 23, 1921. She lost her mother Ethel Maud Smith when she was in her early twenties to tuberculosis. Later after she came to America she lost several siblings and her father George Alfred Taylor, never seeing them again when she came over to the states, at the age of 26 years old. She had fourteen brother and sisters in which she still has five still living in England. She met my grandfather, Joseph Edward Gilson during WWII in England where he was stationed. They married in 1944 and welcomed their only child, a son, Joseph Brian Gilson Sr. in 1945. Her husband passed in 1988 and her son in 2009. She had two grandchildren; Patricia Lynn Stahl ( George Sr. ) and Joseph Brian Gilson Jr. She was blessed with seven Great grandchildren; Erica Brittany, Crystal Marie, Courtney Lynn, Cassandra Nichole, George Edward Jr., Amanda Rae, and Chelsea Madison. She was a Great Great grandma to nine; Kayden Michael, Aubrey Lynn, Brendon Joseph, Collin Christopher, Averey Jane, Peyton Renee, Casen Charles Ashton George, and Christian Edward.
She remarried twice and was widowed by both Alvin Loydia, and William Bray Sr. She loved to dance, play the piano, sing, entertain, socializing, having a cup of tea and talking, knitting, crocheting, shopping, playing Cards and baking. She loved people and enjoyed making friendships. She was a second mother to her son’s best friend John Laurk from the age of 4 years old. She always said he was her other son and loved him and his family very much. She worked as a seamstress, bookkeeper, and factory worker. She worked part -time up until the age of 87 years old. She was the life of the party and always welcomed her ear and shoulder to whomever needed it. She was the BEST GRANDMA EVER. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Especially her family. She had quite the reunion on resurrection Sunday,and to meet JESUS on that day !!!
Visitation at St. John the Baptist Church (Delor St.) on Friday, April 26, 10 a.m. until time of Mass 12:30 p.m. Interment J.B. National Cemetery