Ms. Ethelreen Gilbert

“Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me…Psalms 23:4 “The Life and Legacy of Ethelreen” On August 16, 2019, Ethelreen Caudle Gilbert, lovingly known to her family as “Reen” or “Reny Girl”, returned to her heavenly home after surrendering to her long term illness. “Reen” was born on June 16, 1949, in Enfield, North Carolina to the late Ulysses and Ada Caudle. “Reen” attended Newport News Public Schools. At an early age, she attended Park Place Baptist Church. Years later, she joined New Hope Baptist until her illness prevented her from attending. Reen worked as a secretary at Mariner’s Museum until she became disabled. She enjoyed playing “BINGO” until she could no longer attend. At that point, EVERYBODY brought Bingo to her so she could continue to play. Reen was loved by everybody she encountered, “I guess she got that from her mama (Ada)”. She loved life and she “cut-up” so much, her children couldn’t help but continue where she left off. For the last five years, she resided at Sentara Nursing Center, Norfolk, VA, and OMG the staff loved her to pieces! “Ms. Gilbert” wanted for nothing, all that her family didn’t provide the staff at SNC brought her. She took to Adult Coloring and became a famous artist in her own right. Her art plastered her room and she shared it with all of whom she loved. Yes, she was well-loved and spoiled rotten! Reen is preceded in death by her husband, Alex M. Gilbert; brothers, Ulysses (Osaw) and Jimmy Caudle (DC); and baby sister, Celestine Holden (Bay). She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Ada Perry (Uncle Percy); two brothers, Bravlet "P-Nut" and Wendell Caudle, both of Newport News, VA; Her brothers and sister took pride in spending time with their big sister, especially Wendell. He became like her oldest child and he didn’t miss a visit with his sister. He referred to her as “Nana” and he went to the ends of the earth for her; five children, Willis “Wee Wee” and Landers “Rome” Hawkins, Milton “Fifty Cent” Gilbert (Deborah), DeVitta “Vitta” and Jamie “Fat Duck” Gilbert, all of Newport News, VA; her only living uncle, Lamond Bryant of Whitakers, North Carolina; nine grandchildren, Damarr, Kia, Damien, Rico, Simor, Sheena, Synethia, Jalen and Johanna; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins to include Phyllis and Nancy, her first cousins and BF. Reen was Nancy’s “baby” and she cared for her as such, and her friends.

Ms. Ethelreen Gilbert

June 16, 1949 - August 16, 2019