Debbie Bankston Gilbert went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday February 9, 2024. She was born to Faye Galyon Bunch and Charles Bankston on October 18, 1954, in Bonham, Texas.
Debbie married Joe Gilbert December 7, 1973, just celebrating 50 years this past December. Debbie worked for Medical Plaza Hospital for approximately 25 years before going to work for Texas Oncology, she retired from there after 20 years of service. She was an avid Texas sports fan, loving the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Mavericks. She was thrilled when her Texas Rangers won the World Series this past year. She loved Andy Griffith re-runs and Christmas was definitely her favorite time of the year. Debbie loved her family and friends deeply; she was very giving and supported her community in any way that she could.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Joe Gilbert of Savoy; daughter, Kerri Jo Allen of Savoy; grandchildren, Tristan Allen and wife Eryn of Texas City, Tanner Allen of Savoy, and Taylor Allen of Sherman; great-grandchildren, Brynn and Chase Allen of Texas City; sisters, Cheryl Halter Butler and husband Mark of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Cindy Howland and husband Paul of Luella, Charla Harkreader and husband Sam of Spring, Texas; Tammy Bean and husband Donnie of Tom Bean; sister-in-law, Stacie Bankston of West Columbia, Texas; Danny Bunch and wife Gayle of Hillsboro, Texas; Ray Bunch of Sherman; and brother-in-law, Joe Morris of Sherman. She has several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she dearly loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Faye and Walter Bunch, Charles and Missie Bankston; her in-laws, Frank and Bunky Weatherman, Jack and Hazel Hawkins; brother, Charlie Bankston; sister, Roseanne Morris; and brother-in-law Larry Halter.
The family will visit with friends at Mullican-Little Funeral Home, Bells on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 6-8pm. Funeral service will be on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church of Savoy with Reverend Jeremiah Orr and Reverend Chris Merritt officiating. Burial will be at Little Jordan Cemetery in Savoy. Pallbearers will be Mark Butler, Paul Howland, Donnie Bean, Sam Harkreader, Tyler Halter, Josh Maynor, and Trevor Bean.
She loved her family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with her and having her as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult time
Debbie was such a kind, loving, wonderful person with the sweetest family one could ask for. She will be missed by many.
Heaven has the most precious angel. Debbie you were one of my dearest friends and I will miss you terribly. I know that beautiful laughter will continue in Heaven. All of our love Robyn and Chris
Debbie was the sweetest of ladies! She was my oldest cousin, whom I referred as “Momma Bear”. I loved her dearly and still do. She will be greatly missed.
Debbie was one of my first friends after moving to Savoy in 1971. She made me and my sisters feel welcomed. Debbie was mine and Mark’s Sunday school teacher at the 1st Baptist Church of Savoy.. RIP Sister in Christ see you soon
Thinking of you all and praying you find comfort in your wonderful memories.
Oh Debbie, I will always think of you at Christmas and your love of Snowmen and Red Trucks. You were always so willing to help with anything we were doing for someone else. I’m grateful for your friendship. I’m praying for your family and I know how much you loved them. Gonna miss you friend❤️.
Joe, so sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. Praying for you and the family.
Joe, I’m so sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Joe, Kerri and Sisters, we are sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. She was happy and always smiling. We have fond and funny memories of her high school days. We are praying for your family. You will find strength in each other.
Praying for your family.
One thing I will never forget about Debbie is her servants heart. She was always willing to serve and help in anyway she could. I will miss her dressing . She made my family Thanksgiving dressing many times over the years and always with a smile . We had many talks at ball games about her love for Tanner, Taylor and Tristian. And how proud she was of her family . She also shared her love of Jesus with me and how he answered many prayers of hers over the years . She helped me at a very difficult time in my life and I will always be thankful for that .
I worked with Debbie at the hospital and at the Cancer Center for many years. She was the kindest most generous person I know. She had a good sense of humor and we shared many laughs together. I will miss her very much. She is with her Lord and Savior now. Love and prayers for Joe and Kerri and all the family.
Debbie was always sweet and kind. It was a joy to know her. Our
Prayers are with you all.
Debbie was the best of friends. She was my first friend when we moved to Savoy. Always smiling and I can just hear her say, “Ohhh, Joe! Gosh!”,then laughing & shaking her head. We hold her dear in our hearts! May God ease the pain each passing day but let her memory be with all forever.
Debbie was the best anyone could hope & pray for in a friend. She was so loving, giving & kind. 1Thes. 4 Verses 13 to 18
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Until we meet again Debbie I pray God wrap His arms around your precious family.
Joe, Kerri Jo, and family, we hurt so much for your loss. Debbie was such a joy and delight to be a round and her unforgettable laugh and smile. We will never forget all those good times we enjoyed our gatherings together. We have seen how much your family has grown and changed over the years. We know they’ll be a great reunion, when will all be together where Debbie is now. Our prayers are with your family in this very difficult time. Love Kay & Bob and Allison