John Marshall Gilbert, age 76, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Lynchburg General Hospital after a prolonged battle with T-Cell Lymphoma.

He was born on April 18, 1947, one of nine children born to Percy and Rebecca Adams Gilbert; and three siblings from his dad's first marriage.

John accepted Christ at an early age and no matter what the situation, he would thank and praise God for all of His blessings. He attended the public schools of Campbell County: graduating High School with the class of 1967. John served proudly and boastfully as a Medic in the US Army from September 26, 1967 to September 18, 1970, during the Vietnam War. John retired from the GE plant and spent most of his time managing the tobacco farm with his father in Gladys, Virginia.

He was married to Martha Mitchell Gilbert and from this union, three children were born: John Anthony, Byrum Lee, and Tara.

Prior to his illness, he resided in Danville, Virginia where he joined the East New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Mission Ministry and the Men's Chorus. Singing was his talent, and he often shared his voice at many church events. Two of his favorite songs were: "I Am Redeemed" and "I Won't Complain."

He moved to Lynchburg in 2022 during the height of his illness and joined the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Goldsborough, Charles, Joseph, and Percy; and three sisters, Elizabeth Reese, Reverend Hester Easley, and Louise Arnold.

Left to mourn his departure are two sons, Byrum Lee Gilbert (Fatima) and John Anthony Gilbert (Zan); one daughter, Tara Gilbert Coles (Roger); seven grandchildren, Myia Gilbert, Devin Gilbert, Malia Gilbert, Danielle Wallington, Jeremy Stokes, D'asia Holt, and Kiara Holt; two sisters, Mary Holmes and Rosa Cunningham; two brothers, Reverend Major Gilbert (Brenda) and Benjamin Gilbert; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.