Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 20, 2025

CHARLOTTE - 

Betty Jean Owens Gilbert
October 15, 1939 – March 20, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Jean Owens Gilbert, who went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 85.

Betty was born on October 15, 1939, in Laurens, South Carolina, to Walter Robert Owens and Blanche Thelma Sumerel Owens.  She moved to McCormick, SC, at a young age and graduated in 1958 from McCormick High School.  After graduation, Betty worked for the South Carolina Department of Labor in Columbia before relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she met and married the love of her life, Russell Clifford Gilbert, on August 4, 1963, at Lowell First Baptist Church in Lowell, NC.  Together, Betty and Russell raised two wonderful sons, Allen and Cliff.  Betty had a fulfilling career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, where she worked for several years as a school cashier.  She found joy in nurturing young lives and serving her community.  In addition to her professional accomplishments, Betty had a deep passion for quilting and sewing, spending many hours creating beautiful works of art with her hands.  She also treasured her time with friends and classmates, regularly attending reunions with her McCormick High School friends and Russell’s Charlotte Central High School classmates.  A devoted Christian, Betty was a lifelong member of Charlotte First Baptist Church, where she found spiritual guidance and fellowship.  A loving wife, mother, and friend, Betty’s warm heart, kindness, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her husband, Russell and her sons, Allen Gilbert and his wife, Yafir and Cliff Gilbert and his wife, Sayuri, both of Charlotte, NC.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Karen Bolding of Atlanta; her brother, Jack Owens of Atlanta, and an infant brother, Robert Owens Jr..

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Betty's honor to First Baptist Church Charlotte, 301 S. Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.