Josephine "Jo" Gilbert

M. Josephine “Jo” Gilbert, age 88, a longtime resident of Cleveland, passed away Friday, December 3, 2021 in Cleveland, TN. She was a member of Heritage Fellowship Church of God and the co-owner and operator of the Village Bake shop for over 50 years. She was well known for her kindness, hard work, and witty spirit.  She made a meaningful impact on our community through her work at the bakery and the many celebrations she made special with her beautifully decorated cakes.  She loved her God, family, work, and her constant companion, dog “Lucky.”

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 56 years, Arthur D. Gilbert, her parents, Jake and Clara Headrick; her sister, Joyce Coppock; and her brother, Arthur “Red” Headrick.

She is survived by her son Michael “Steve” Gilbert and wife, Teresa Ann of Cleveland; and her daughter Teresa D. Gilbert of Cleveland; her four grandchildren and spouses:  Jason and wife, Laura Gilbert of Reliance; Stephanie Oliver of Cleveland; Angel and husband Jeremy Kerns of Nashville; and Justin Mooneyham of Cleveland; five great grandchildren:  Kourtney Sluder and husband, Trayce of Cleveland; Jessica Hayman and husband, Casey of Cleveland; Hannah Oliver and Chase Oliver of Cleveland; and Jacob Gilbert of Reliance; two great-great grandchildren:  Taylor Hayman and Eloise Sluder.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. at Heritage Fellowship Church of God, McDonald, with the Rev. Steve Gilbert and Jason Gilbert officiating.  Interment will follow at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Chase Oliver, Jacob Gilbert, Jeremy Kerns, Justin Mooneyhan, Casey Hayman, Trayce Sluder, and Jason Gilbert serving as pall bearers. 

The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 prior to the service at the church.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Gilbert family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.