George "G.G." Darnell Gilbert
Affectionately called “G.G.”, George Darnell Gilbert was born February 8, 1957 to the late George Franklin Gilbert and Alzina Manns Gilbert in Franklin County, Virginia. He departed this life on September 13, 2022 making his stay on earth 65 years, 7 months, and 5 days.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Bentley Allen “Binky” Gilbert; his maternal grandparents, Johnny Manns, Lucy Manns Arnold and Robert Lee Arnold; his paternal grandparents, Rosie Gilbert, George R. Gilbert and Betty Gilbert.
G.G. attended Friendship Baptist Church with his family during his childhood. Growing up in Bassett, G.G. attended Mary Hunter Elementary School. He was a graduate of the John D. Bassett High School and attended Virginia State College.
G.G. was a member of his high school football team and he loved the attention it drew from the ladies. G.G. was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
After moving to Newark, New Jersey, he was a dedicated funeral home assistant at Perry Funeral Home for 47 years. G.G. was an encourager who shared his wisdom and techniques.
George had a giving and loving heart, never met a stranger and meant what he said with a smile. Often times in conversation when he felt someone should be finished talking, he exclaimed “That’s enough, don’t tell it all!”. He loved football, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers, being with his family, friends and coworkers. And he ensured every one of them had a special nickname. Often with his sunglasses on, G.G. was the life of the party and loved to show his dance moves. He will forever be missed by those who knew him best.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Sironia Renée “Rona” Gilbert; God-brothers; Joseph “Joey” Ellison, Dontae Via, and Cornelius Edmonds; aunts, Helen Gilbert, Peggy Arnold, and Jean Sims; uncles, Joseph (Bernadine) Manns, Robert (Delories) Arnold; James Ross, Walter (Shirley) Arnold, and Samuel (Retha) Arnold; a special friend, Millie Walker; a special aunt/second mother, Mama Wilma Rhodes; his mentor and great friend, Mr. Clarence Taylor; and countless cousins, friends and the entire Perry Funeral Home family.
