Rita Jean Gilbert

Rita Jean Gilbert passed away early Sunday morning, June 16, 2024, with her son at her side. She was a Christian and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who is loved by family and friends.

 Rita was born on December 3, 1927, in Mitchell County Texas, and she was adopted by Alvin and Mary Jones on January 10, 1928. She grew up in Hepzibah and Augusta, GA, and upon graduating from high school, she moved to Washington, DC for two years. After returning to Augusta, she met her future husband, Eugene (Gene) Thomas Gilbert Jr, while working as a bookkeeper at the Augusta Country Club. 

 Rita was a volunteer for the Richmond County Republican Party in the 1950's and 60's. She also volunteered and became the president for the United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia. She worked at the U.S. Federal Court in downtown Augusta with Judge Edenfield, and she became the Chief Deputy Clerk under Judge Anthony Aliamo and Judge Dudley Bowen. She retired after 24 years of dedicated service. 

 Rita is survived by her two children, Margaret Gray Gilbert and Eugene (Gene) Thomas Gilbert lll; grandsons Bryce Cullen Shipman, Eugene Thomas Gilbert lV, and Andrew Hampton Gray Gilbert.

Rita's family wishes to thank her dear friends, Kris Cook, Brenda McCarthy, Albert Ivey, Joanne Pounds, and Bill Jeans. We would also like to thank the staff members at Thrive Assisted Living in Martinez, GA, Georgia House Calls, Enhabit Home Health and Hospice, and Savannah River Pro Home Care. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of Rita's two favorite charities: St. Jude Research Hospital or the ASPCA.

 Graveside services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Westover Memorial Park, and the service will be officiated by Dr. Eric Biddy, Rector, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church.

 If so desired, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.