Laura Louise Gilbert, 82

 November 20, 1941 – November 10, 2023

TUPELO – Laura Louise Banks Gilbert met her heavenly Father from her longtime residence in Tupelo on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023 after an extended illness. She was 81. Born in Lee County on November 20, 1941, to the late Eugene “Red” Banks and Laura Hunt Banks, Laura lived her entire life in Lee County. She made a profession of faith at an early age and was a faithful member of New Lebanon M.B. Church on Coley Road for many years. She loved attending church and actively participated in the choir and on the Usher Board. Mrs. Gilbert loved singing, was an excellent cook, especially known for her Pound and Red Velvet cakes, and was always happy when her family gathered around her. A practical jokester, Laura had a happy personality and enjoyed conversations with family and friends.

A service celebrating her life will take place at New Lebanon M.B. Church on Coley Road in Tupelo on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 11 AM with her brother-in-law, Pastor Billy Rainey, as the lead officiant. Soloists will be Paul Cook and Rev. Chris Traylor. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 6 PM on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo and from 10 AM-service time at New Lebanon M.B. Church on Saturday. Burial will take place at Mt. Pleasant Chesterville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Marcquavius, Keyun, Zaquaylin, Kaleb, Sonny Banks, Ronnie Shumpert, Dewayne Johnson, and Will Topp. Flower-bearers will be her great-nieces. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.

Laura is survived by her children, Betty Gilbert, Willie Gilbert, Sabrina Gilbert, and Kimberly Shumpert; grandchildren, Cambria Crayton, Lateffa Chism (George), Marcquavius Gilbert, Keyun Gilbert (Griselda), Jacory Gilbert, Micah Kaleb Gilbert, Zaquaylin Gilbert, and Zalaiyah Gilbert; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jeanette Pinson (Henry), Jural McGee, Esther Jones (Lester), Wilma Rainey (Rev. Billy), Shirley Enos (James), Eugene Banks of Kansas, and sister-in-law Regina Banks; cousin, Arthur Hunt; and special friends, Patsy Lindsey and Sharon Hickman of Alabama, Rodney King, and Paul Cook, who was like a son to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laura and Eugene Banks; siblings, Linda K. Banks, W.C. Banks, Charles Banks, Virginia Edwards, and Christine Topp; granddaughter, Tequila Prude; and daughter-in-law, Nina L. Gilbert.

Condolences for the family may be left on Laura’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.